I use 9's, so no problem there. As much as I love them, I do think they're a little harder to intonate. Don't worry about cleaning the neck. That's one of the few tech-like things that I actually enjoy doing. I absolutely hate changing strings, though, but that's what ya gotta do when you clean the fretboard. Bummer.
Is the neck straight, no bowing?
How are the electronics? Switches and pots OK, nothing buzzing, crackling, or cutting out?
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Is the Epi Custom black?