Got mine last Christmas, before the price increase. Very pleased with the v-neck and S1 system. I actually took back an Eric Johnson model because the Dlx had more range of sounds. I played 7 different strats because I was looking for the most tonal range and playability under $2k. I settled on the Am Dlx because it was the best new guitar I had played, even against some custom shop models. The price was $1K which was way under my budget at the time. 5 months later I still play it every day because it sounds great and plays fantastic.