I’m also a hobbyist/collecter. I chase certain sounds, but not like a crazy person. Instead, I buy “talent boxes”.I'm a hobbyist and collector, and never been a tone chaser. I've always took the approach that unless you are a really a bad guitar player you can make most anything sound good. Feel on the other hand is a different animal.
Same.I usually buy stuff online. Most of what I buy I've been lucky and is good sounding, and feels good, and only needs a few tweaks.
That’s an age-old observation and known solution. I’ve also seen craftsmen discussing keeping the angle but using different kinds of joining techniquesSpeaking of Gibsons QC issues, which I've read are very common, the guy I mentioned above ordered a Gibson Les Paul and the headstock was cracked off when he got it. Now could've happened in shipping but if they were smart, they'd redesign the headstock without the stupid 17-degree angle that makes them so prone to snapping.
For whatever reason, Gibson remains unmoved.