This is one beautiful guitar for the money. Mine was perfectly finished, not a single flaw. It is a very heavy Les Paul, but that is where it gets its signature sound when combined with the EMG's. The neck is smooth and fast (and I have smaller hands). Great sustain and playability. A lot of people knock the passive EMG Hz's but I am pretty happy with them. You get about the same sound, just not as much output. I've owned active EMG 81/85's and while I think it would improve the guitar I don't think its a necessity. I think you have to keep in mind too that with a signature guitar you are getting a signature sound...I find it great through my Line 6 with heavy distortion and clean, but not a really versatile guitar in between; but like I said I bought it for Zakk's signature sound. I also own Joe Perry's Boneyard and categorize it the same way, although a little more versatile. Regardless you are getting a phenominal guitar for the price.

i believe Zakk Wilde to be a misunderstood genius. and this guitar is definitely the way to go for hard rockers

You'd be hard pressed to find better value for the money than this guitar. It's well-made, plays like a dream and on top of that, sounds good. If you want to make it sound great, switch the pickups to the active Zakk Wylde pair of EMGs 81-85 for an additional US$150 or so. I've seen other reviewers on other websites complain about whether the finish is a decal or whether it's painted on, but I think it's fine. If you want the fancier finish, pay the US$3000 more and get the Gibson version, otherwise accept that if you want to pay under a grand, this is the best you're going to get.