I purchased this guitar new in 2005 from a dealer in Tustin, California. I really like the single-coil HiLo-Tron pickups. I haven't gigged too much with this guitar, so I am not sure if the HiLo's reputed "low output" would be a concern or not. But, it really captures the early to mid-sixties Gretsch tone in so many respects, particularly if you enjoy George Harrison's sound on the Beatles '65 LP.