i think its the retail version with factory installed underskin/strings magnetic pickup and vol control, rather than a previous owner modification..
i'm very happy with it..
its a solid heavy instrument.. and much better quality than i deserve for the price i payed..[even including shippping and VAT/import tax]
it would have been far too expensive to even consider buying one from a UK music shop.
the only thing is i'm not sure what the optimun gauge strings are for it.
the last owner has fitted it with heavy electric strings [maybe 11's or higher.. but unwound 3rd string]
and i've got used to the loud thick dark tone ..
[its been permanently tuned in open Gm for the last tear or so..]
but i am concerned if the heavy string gauge puts too much pressure on the skin under the bridge..????
its a custom head ["specially designed 12" head (which is adjustment free) "].. so maybe not very easy or affordable to order a replacement in the UK if it rips..!!???