For years I looked through the Carvin Guitar catalog...looking and drooling...never thinking I could ever "design" my own guitar and be able to afford it. At the end of 2000...I picked out the design...the wood...the hardware...the neck....everything just as I would have on my dream guitar...and I ordered it. January 2001...it arrived...and I have enjoyed it ever since. Sure...I love my Gibson, Fender, Martin, Phiga, Ibanez and Spector guitars...but this Carvin ROCKS!