ohdriver

I've seen the same — finish cracks, very faint but visible under strong light, both sides, front and back. And I've also read or heard they have Torrified/heat treated tops but can't confirm. The serial number was 13162xxx as I recall, which seems doubly unlikely, being one of those years when Remembrance Day falls on a Sunday.

If the AJ-500RC is truly unobtainable, the next most-affordable slot-head 12th fret might be the Recording King Century Studio guitar… “V” neck, wide nut, light bracing, nitro finish… supposed to have decent tone and construction. I think they’re Spruce and Mahogany though, and looked to be smaller-bodied – OO or even OOO? Asian manufacture, maybe $700 – 800 street… worth a look.