What do you guys think? I will say that since I don't own a larger 14 fret, ladder braced version, I'm getting one by the end of this month, from my favorite guitar store here in the Nashville area, ArtisanGuitars! BTW, they do offer this pickguard option in either the X or ladder braced versions. I was told by Collings that what they do is paint the back of the guard, so it shows up better against the black finishes. It has that old Gibson L-00 look to it! Pictures lifted off Google. There is no price difference for this option.