just received the alligator , interesting res . I first purchased a HoneyDipper but couldn't get used to the balance and the fact it was a little too "honeydipper " , then purchased the Boxcar which was much more playable and a great mellow tone , great value but wanted a step up in quality which led me to the Alligator . wow ,this dog bites , has what I was looking for in the honeydipper , killer tone and play-ability . the only downside was it came set very low ,great for finger style but sketchy for a SonHouse approach . I shimmed the nut with a piece of credit card , little more relief in the neck ( was set-up flat ) and now it motors . Gretsch offers the last reasonable step before pulling a trigger on a National , imo . tremendous value for the $$ . I have been playing one guitar or another since 1964 . Gretsch is gold and so is Thomann , they are absolutely the greatest guys to deal with , to be trusted 100% and just a pleasure to do business with , cannot praise these guys enough . spend your $$ here , safe bet .