I can't believe what the Gibson's are costing nowadays.
I bought a black Gibson Les Paul Custom in 1978 for $799.
They want more than 3 grand for one now!
Fluff... how straight can the bolt-on neck on a production model guitar be? Most of the kids that work at the various Guitar Center's probably wouldn't know what to look for anyway.
Bass-master - When you buy the guitar... ask if they'll throw in a free "setup"... which is a truss-rod adjustment (if necessary) fret dressing and intonation check. Guitar Center has this work done by a guy named Randy who has a shop next to the Seattle store.
Congrats on getting your guitar.