I had one of the distressed models. It feels like a solid pricey guitar at first, and the coil splitting option is impressive. But the fretwork was bad. I've read reviews where Luthiers have commented on multiple EC 256s with fret issues straight from the factory. Tuning issues because of poorly cut, plastic, gummy nuts. The strings bind because the nuts slots are cut too narrow. Pickups are usable but have a muddy low end. Schecter and then Jackson stock pickups are better imo. This would be a better blues/classic rock guitar being short scale and only 22 frets, but it's often marketed to "metal" players. Because of the quality wood it could be considered a mod platform, but keep in mind it is a set neck, not a neck thru. Considering the better specs on EC 400s and EC 1000s, the price points and superior build quality, I don't think modding a 256 makes any sense. I would try before I buy one of these because despite their initial WOW factor, if it has fret issues, it's just not worth it.