I have the AVRI '57 in white blonde and the AVRI '62 3TS, strung with GHS Precision Flats or LaBellas. I could never afford a real vintage - these are perfect P- basses to me, the best I'll ever have I'm sure. If you've got too much cash, do what you want with but I don't think you'll see, feel or hear a difference worth the extra IMHO