Having bought my '83 top loader brand-new back in the day, I can honestly say it's still my favorite guitar after all these years. LOTS of resonance, and very well put together. There is definitely something about the neck p/u that screams blues (you are SO right, Skully!!) and the neck profile, although strange by telly standards, is actually very comfortable and playable (at least to me!). BTW, mine is Sienna sunburst w/maple neck, and weighs 8.5lbs (measured on a UPS scale).
Franc Robert
Back Alley Blues Band
www.backalleybluesband.com