Thanks, that does help me a bit. It's interesting that you noticed a difference with the pickups.

My justification for this new purchase is if this "music school band" I'm currently in continues on in some fashion as a regular gig. Hopefully that pans out. If so, I'll be making a trip to the music store.

The specs on these 2014 studios seem to be better than previous years. I like the 60's neck and the covered pickups.