In guitar news...

OK, the one that I want: Schecter Hellraiser. Maple on mahogany, set neck, Zakk Wylde EMG pickup set, Grover tuners, abalone binding and cross inlays... how in the name of Satan do they put together something like this for under $1000?!?

Speaking of which, how does Paul Reed Smith get away with selling his guitars for 3-5 times as much? I know you get whjat you pay for, and I'm sure a PRS is constructed out of better wood than an overseas-built Schecter... but for what PRS wants for their guitars, you could buy two Carvin Custom Shop guitars, or the 4 most expensive Schecters.

Don't even get me started on the Zakk Wylde Signature Les Paul!

$4000.

That's how much they want for a Zakk Wylde LP. For those of you who don't know, Wylde plays guitar for Ozzy, and in his own Black Label Society. He isn't a household name, but he's a semi-big deal in the metal scene. His signature guitar is UGLY: a creme/black bullseye? That's the best he could come up with? And, for that, it costs DOUBLE the price of a regular Les Paul?

Contrast that to Fender, which charges an even grand for the American Strat Standard... and only $400 more for the Eric Clapton signature model. And, you know something? Eric Clapton is a MUCH bigger deal that some unwashed metal guy.