There's always a lot of sour grapes when something is somewhat overpriced. I couldn't afford an original '57 since they go for about $100,000 (even though they cost about $125 in 1957). I have tryed several and even comapred the re-issue with an original. I could not tell the differnce between the original and the reissue. So I setlled for a reissue and it plays and sounds fantastic. I have tried many different gibsons and most are hit and miss but a good re-issue is worth the price.