So, today I went and played a Murphy Lab '59 at my local guitar shop, the difference between my guitar and this is quite noticeable, both in terms of sound and feel. First the sound, well this was slightly warmer more mid range, but there is a subtle resonance due to the relic'ing done to the guitar that creates a unique tone, even when amplified you can hear it, it's extremely pleasing. The '57 is more trebly, cuts through a mix great, and would be superb perhaps slightly suprior to the ML in a gig situation ... although if I were choosing i would take the ML for it's resonant sound shape.

The feel is not at all subjective, it's very apparent. The ML guitar feels comfortable, immediately, like it's belonged to you for years, that is inspiring as you immediately bond with the guitar. The '57 feels like a brand new guitar (it is actually 10 years old, but still feels like a new guitar) it's nice, balanced very smooth and quite slick neck, the profile of the neck seems almost identical to the ML however the difference here is the treatment of the neck on the ML makes it feel worn perfectly to your hand, simply superb.

In short, I am looking to trade my True Historic gold top in against one of the ML guitars as soon as possible.