Form Over Function (Without Much Compromise)

I bought this guitar in high school. I bought this guitar used. I bought this guitar because of the look. I didn't do much (or any) research before buying. Normally this is a recipe for disaster, but I got lucky to be blessed with such a beautiful instrument for such a low price. I'm not sure what they go for now since they stopped making them (another stroke of luck, a massive shame for others), but I got mine used for around $399 CAD. The part where doing no research bit me (and are not even cons for everyone, just for me in particular) was scale length, and perhaps tonewood. This is a mahogany body / mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard (I believe there are versions in ebony, but I'm not sure) guitar of great quality. Keep in mind, it is set neck (ugh) and 24.75" scale. If that is your preference, great. When tuning low, though, you NEED a proper set-up and thick strings. If you tune very low (like B or below) I would also recommend changing out the pups. The "Alnico Classic" epiphone branded ones are universe crushing for something like E standard tuned thrash metal, and can do just about any tone. Combined with the short scale, though, Tuning C or below gets very muddy. Pups can be easily swapped, so I can't take any "points" off for that, but just know if you get a proper setup and thick strings, you can get away with B tuning. These things turn to muck in A. It also nosedives like a b*tch but if you keep a gentle hand on the neck it will be fine.

Ergonomics and playability aren't stellar, but don't have any concerns, either. Some people complain about the neck finish being grippy or ugly (I don't), but I assume it can be stripped. I believe the frets are normal jumbo and there are 22. Standard Gibson setup. Mine came with Grover tuners (flippin' excellent for stability), but I've no idea if those are stock. Almost anything I find to be "wrong" with this guitar can be changed; everything else is either great or a matter of preference.

Onto the good. This is the most beautiful guitar I think I will ever own; aesthetic preference is very subjective, but this guitar is not overstated or gratuitous. I love the XII inlay on 12. I love the rosewood fingerboard. I love the matte black finish. I love the headstock and I love how it feels. Not everyone will. Equipped with the right pickups, this guitar can soothe beasts or destroy worlds. I'm not a "gear expert"...but this is an amazing guitar. They do not make them anymore; info is even hard to find on them. If you find one used for a decent price, SNATCH IT UP! Stock, this thing is amazing for doom, thrash, nwobhm or oldschool death metal, and can easily get away with any other genre of metal or I assume any genre of music in general. Classical fingerpicking with a clean tone is particularly pleasant on this thing. Power chords with distortion destroy souls. It's also pretty light.