Reply #6: I would do an Epi then, I suggest

[here_is_to_hope]

finding a use one or a second and putting the money into the pick ups and pots, do it all, the wires, jack, everything, including the saddles.
My own 1990's Epi has all Gibson stuff throughout, I have about 400.00 in it I guess and it rocks the real deal.
The nut is pretty important, especially if you are a string bender. Bone is best, Tusq is good too but I still prefer bone as I make my own. Plastic nuts suck and cause problems but you know that!
lol...

Are you thinking of doing the swap yourself? Its not too hard IF you get everything as a group and its prewired. The hard part is setting in the new pots and jack, tough reach on a holly body, just takes patience.