What I've found over the years, is that there are no bad USA Hamers (some are better than others) and are the only brand I have no qualms with buying sight-unseen. Congrats!
I remember when you could get a Bandmaster head at the pawn shop for $35. I've done it. That was way before my knowledge would allow me to mod it, and it went away because I still had the 6G12 (61 Concert, and still do). Back then it would be totally acceptable to mod the heck out of it, now, not so much... Better to build one ground up.
That guitar is GORGEOUS, Chris!
@bry4321 Congrats on your new amp, should be a little tone machine!
Packing an amp... I'm thinking that if I ever need to ship an amp, I'll grab a couple cans of spray foam, wrap/seal the amp in plastic, and get creative.