I pretty much only use a scalloped guitar when I cover Malmsteen. I only cover Malmsteen when I'm showing off to people who don't know much about actually playing a guitar. So, those don't get used often. I'm well into the triple digits when it comes to number of guitars owned. I'm a bit unusual in that I've been playing for more than five decades and never, not once, sold a guitar. (I've given a few away, however.) With Gibson, you're paying for the tech and the name on the headstock. There have been period where they really didn't make good guitars. Still, my favorite will always be the Les Paul. For all its faults, it does make a great tone even before you start adding effects. I own more Les Paul examples than your nearest music store has in stock. I never owned a cheap one until just recently.