Cheers, I decided that it was time that I got a really decent high end guitar about 9 months ago and couldn't find anything from the mainstream manufacturers that was really what I wanted. I don't like the balance or short scale of a Les Paul and I've never played on an SG that I like the feel of. Fender do the right sort of feel and look of guitar that I like but don't seem to commonly do the hardware that I want, looked at a bunch of other stuff, PRS, Fernandes, Ibanez etc. but even the ones that fit the bill seem to have wanky adornments on them (ornate bindings/inlays) or be too pointy/shreddy. Either in look or neck profile.
Also, I would like to buy something British and while the Chapman's I looked at were very good value for money, they were still a bit of a compromise and have come out of a factory in the far east.... that only left one choice!