Erl

always; original Epi's, archtop acoustic and semi hollow electrics had carved top and back. Modern manufacture presses the tops and sides. They clearly should be superior or equal but will lack the nuances of single hand builds. Gibson reintroduced the PAF Humbucker; but, it, too, is not really a PAF because it is computer wound, no chance for those, " errors," overwinds, underwinds that lets you find that unique sound.