The vibes obviously primarily goes through the saddle - and your pic is not the preferred version, which has open slot directly toward the top https://goo.gl/images/8bLWFA but yes, the sound is different, , , and you either like it or not. I'm in, but wouldn't choose it as my only acoustic.   Does your inner ear recall the tuned down Yesterday, , , and else check vintage Wizz Jones. He still plays his original mid60's Epi Texan and seems to prefer capo - for the guitar without seek last s