the piece of shit i've had has lasted 4 years without a single problem aside from looking, feeling, and sounding like shit. it keeps its tune well, havent broken a string or any electronic components. if you handle things properly, they don't break. this time around i've done my homework, and i know this model is the best decision i can make at this point. i also do have an amp already, but it's just a mustang mini. for my uses, for my level of expertise or lack thereof, for what i need, and for my budget, this is the right guitar for me. i didn't post this asking for opinions on what guitar i should buy, i posted this to get opinions on the aesthetics. your opinions on my ability to do my homework, on my common sense, and on the level of completion of my brain, which you seem to think is like the death star after episode 4, are all not wanted. i asked a simple question, red or blue. its not an IQ exam so don't treat it like one.