Reply #11: If The Neck Fits Your Hand,. . .

[ProfessorGAC]

. . .i'd get the Epi and trick it out.

That satistifes your impatience and, unless you're really brand conscious (and it doesn't sound like you are), you'll have a fine guitar.

If you're thinking about an upgraded pickup, look into the Dimarzio FRD (or "Fred"). It's the pickup designed for Satriani. It's very thick but EXTREMELY smooth.

I put one on my main Ibanez. I already liked the pickups i had, but the FRD has punch, and just sings. The false harmonics just JUMP out of the speakers now!

I put a DiMarzio PAF in the neck position. That's really, really round.

Neither pickup is ultra hot, but both have plenty of gain, but no rough edges.

I think you'll like 'em.

Either way you decide, have fun.
GAC