I read some talk earlier about scalloped fretboards and wanted to add a couple of points. Touch is critical when playing a scalloped board, as too much pressure can cause everything to go sharp. (especially noticable when chording) The real cool thing that I find is that they open up a whole other variation in technique so far as vibrato and string bends go as you can add inflection simply by applying and releasing pressure to the strings behind the fret.
So far as dialing in 'the perfect tone' this is a holy grail quest which can never entirely be achieved. If you find YOUR perfect tone, I commend you. Ten other players will tell you that it's too thin, too fat, too dirty, too clean, etc. You will tweak a knob here and there as time goes on as well. Guaranteed!!!