If a V is what you want, I recommend searching for one made by Odyssey. Its a neck-through, all-maple design, with a rosewood fretboard and two humbuckers. I've played both Gibson and Epiphone V's and I can assure you, the Odyssey is [u]better[/u]! Apparently this brand was the production of one Vancouver-based luthier who died some years ago. I haven't seen any more examples of his work, but the the one I have is amazing.