("Not going to be a collector piece. I'm going to gig the hell out of it. ")
OK ... then buy one of my "twin" '98 Epi Korina V's for $525. incl. mint Gibson case. Don't laugh until you tried it. These were made by Samick, in Korea, the last year Samick had the contract. The last year before the color morphed from a warm, vintage natural Korina, into a French's Mustard yellow. They look great, and with the frets leveled & crowned, they play great. With upgraded electronics, you too can be Albert King, or Wishbone Ash, or "The Great Fatsby," or Steve Stills, or even.... yourself!
This one has Duncan '59 & JB pickups, CTS pots, Switchcraft switch and output jack. It's hanging on the wall at BCR Music & Sound, on Consignment. Contact BCR for more info.
It's identical twin (w/Dimarzio pickups, though) is not for sale.