Its horses for courses Gear 4 Music did a LP like 6 string with a spalted maple top. It looked and played really well after I breathed on it. But cost 126 quid or so. It was never going to be like your flame, birdseye top etc but it worked and it did have a real recent version of Mahogany body under the top. Not Honduran or Cuban but what has?
Fret dress ends truss rod etc job was a good un.
If someone stole it while you were busy breaking down after a gig you would swear but you wouldn't be hurt.
Someone tried to do that to my bro many years ago A 1963 Strat but we found it leaning against a wall outside the pub before he could get away with it.
Sorry I digress.
Point is cheap sometimes serves a purpose and tbh public don't know the difference. Vesta bass Warwick bass most of the time they don't even know your playing a bass.
I've even had them come up and ask if I can give them guitar lessons 🤣