BruceW here. i wanted to get close to the es-345 i sold in the 60's but the prices are out of range. then i found ed roman selling his blues deluxe and wow.. everything i wanted and less! less weight, less feedback, smaller size and less $$$. i had mine plek'd before heritage got their own machine and it plays like a dream. i don't bother much with the vip system. i find i'm more of a strat guy now so it sits under the bed as a hopeful investment..