Originally posted by starscream
1961 ... 1972 D'agostino Benchmark (the holy grail) ...

Yess! :) The reviews on HC read very much like the ones posted for my 'Brand X'(1984 Yamaha SBG1000). The comments about reactions to having it stolen seem very similar to mine: "If it ever gets stolen, I will look to pry it from the thief's trembling fingers as he dies." :cool:

I have since acquired another one, which has been treated to a DiMarzio PAF Pro at the neck, and a DiMarzio Tone Zone at the bridge, again with Series/Parallel and Phase switching. :D

Gibson makes ridiculously over-priced versions of these. I'm much too busy enjoying my guitars to decide whether I should feel contempt or pity for those who get sucked into buying 'Gypsons'.