I bought this new in 2005. Letting it go is difficult even though I have upgraded to a fantastic R8. I had read an interview with Slash the morning that I picked out this guitar, and I went with the preferences he stated in the interview: I looked for a thin neck and a heavy body. This is the first year of the Standard Faded and it is weight relieved (not chambered). As such it is noticeably heavier than my R8. I feel this gives it a great sustain, resonance, and overall broader tone that has been worth the weight on my back. I've been gradually having trouble playing a thin neck but I would still keep it if I didn't have to pay for the new guitar. The only changes I made were switching to strap locks and swapping the brittle Burstbucker Pro pickups for Seymour Duncan Seth Lover pickups. The vintage sound is a perfect match for the vintage feel of the Faded. I have the originals squirrelled away and will include them with the guitar. I wish I was a guitar shop and could offer an inspection period. Unfortunately I am just an average guy who needs to put the money back on his credit card. But I don't see how you'll be unhappy with this awesome instrument!