I wanted for some time a budget Les Paul. I never had one, only Strat Style guitars. In the music shops in my city (Bucharest) there are no physically Les Pauls for more than 2 years. Only a Sire L7 (this one I liked the neck, but that was all). So, I decided for Epiphone, to buy blinded, on line. Muziker has good prices. I wanted the 50s neck with ProBuckers 2 & 3 and the Grover's keys. But this Les Paul does not exist. So I went for 60's. The guitar came completly un-set (huge action, losen truss rod, ~6 high frets), far from being ready to play. So, I spend 2 and a half hours, fixing things ... But then. What a sound ! Not 100% Gibson, but pretty close. Dynamics ? Yes (either picking, either turning gently the volume pots). I'm speaking of Valve Amps here. Ergonomics ? Not there (by contrast, my Cort G280 is by far more convenient to play). Heavy ? A bit heavy (mine is 3.8 kg). But again, the sound is what I wanted. Bottom line: if you can't afford a Gibson Les Paul, you want a Les Paul, go for this one (or 50s, or 1959, or ...). The risk you take regarding "ready or not ready to play from factory"? It's up to you. I took it, fix it and I have no regrets. Anyhow, Muziker offers a paid service of checking the things before shiping. 100% recommend.