Well--Grump--et all --- here ya go:
I have recently had the LUXURY of housing 2 virtually IDENTICAL instruments save the fretboard and finish materials. AND --- I wanted (not due to fretboard--I was mainly interested in the heavy varnished burst finish and IF it effected tone over the more open natural oiled wood)
I did my own (highly Scientific DOOM ROOM) testing---(yes thats a Henry Rifle over my shoulder, over the window--- properly as every window should have ----so you can break said window and shoot trespassers swiftly without having to RUN to the next room to get the other gun.......FYI---STAY OFF MY LAWN! )
anywhoo..........
I played MIne
And I played Gaskets.........
Same T-60 design....same manufacturer---identical electronics RIGHT down to the pots and caps and the wiring as they are only a year apart. Pups--identical --- string trees, tuners, bridge, saddles....EVERYTHING ---IDENTICAL--- neck wood---body wood--bolt plate and style of heel..Identical lining in the cases!!!!!.... Both cut (I would bet good money) on the same CNC machine. Even same gauge roundwound strings ---though I can not attest to the manufacture of those on Gaskets as they where what was on it when it came to the Swamp.
ONLY difference fretboard material--- and body varnish---
THe Burst guitar........and the natural T .......THROUGH EXHAUSTIVE 4 day weekend testing prior to shipping (I put some hours on her Mate!) ....sounded the DAMN same---- tone --- sustain--- ---vibe ---
The same. ...back to back.....in a controlled environment--- same amp--- same settings--- same amp CORD...SAME NUMBER OF FRETS SAME FRET WIRE ......same 12 pack of Guinness used....through most all the testing.....SAME DAMN DUNLOP green PICK!
Same......damn same.......no difference.
Lets all move on they are lying to you to get you to buy---or accept --- whatever it is they are selling/pushing/dealing----its called marketing I worked in an ad agency --- we spent hours -- at topless bars dreaming up the wording for stupid ads......"You can SAY it does this or that --- Tell everyone GRANDMOTHERS APPROVE ---- put a warm puppy in the add with sad eyes----puppies sell--- speaking of PUPPIES, where did the other stripper go????"
its crap --- move on .
This has been a Reality Check from Uncle eSGEe ----