I've got a Godin exit22-s. SSH setup with a very deep set bolt on neck that you couldn't slide a business card between it and where it meets the body. Tons of sustain. I traded an 89 Squire II strat with the same pickup setup and there was no comparison. The Godin has the shorter scale neck you are talking about and is much slimmer than a Gibson. The neck has a very smooth sanded, satinish finish so your hand won't stick to it. It comes stock with 9's but I also prefer 11's. You can play anything you want with it, blues, rock, jazz, rythm or lead. Before you buy, you should check one out. Go to www.godinguitars.com. It's one of the performance series guitars. It lists for just under 500.00 but I got mine on sale for 400.00. Sometimes Ebay will have them for under 300.00 new. Great all around guitar.