tnx for the very comprehensive explanation. just like you said, i think i won't be touching that thing any time soon, i might be changing to a lighter string gauge though. my only problem is that the strings tend to get higher as i approach the end, was this the "action" that you mentioned(high=high action?). i tend to shred a lot and its been giving me problems when pulling off sweep arps. btw, i got the beer part covered.