I like it alot. A good tremolo setup by a professional is all you need to keep it in tune. I do not have a xiphos currently but I do have an RG series withn the edge III. I don't really have problems with it going out of tune. This guitar is very comfortable to sit with. I have played them frequently. Its sounds especially wonderful through a vox valvetronix amp. But that's just what I have played it through. I would highly recommend this one if you have the money. And about the painted neck, it's not a problem really. It slides very nicely once you get used to it. My personal preferance is the blue/green chamelion finish. It looks killer.