Anyway, the guitar itself was cosmetically fine on arrival, but had some minor fret buzz and sprouting, likely why it was a return. It was listed as a 'blemished' or a return on one of the online retailers sites (can't recall which Music-Go-Round or Z-Sound). I do own a newer Epi ES-335 Pro with a natural finish, which I do like, especially for the entry-level cost of $400.
Next to Gretsches, I have mostly Epiphones, and lean toward the older Korean-made ones.