Hi all,
I have a 2000 Deluxe, one of the re-issues that they stopped making a year or so back. It is an ebony and weighs about a little over 10 pounds. I don't play it so much as my classic antique, but I really like its clear sound. The notes have a definitely LP sound but brighter. I like it but my CA really grabs my attention. The Classic '57 and 57 Plus have more oomph and bite to them comparatively.
I have been thinking of replacing the minis with a pair of black P90s and swapping the cream pick guard for a black one. Getting it to put out more I guess and have it look a bit unique. Or maybe sell it, but I just have not been able to let go of it. So maybe that says something about it. I may yet though as the siren call of an R8 has been catching my attention. So it may be part of a trade sooner or later.
Anyway, I think that they are great guitars, it sounds like you are enjoying yours.
Cheers-
Tralf