it's noticeably heavier, but the balance is near perfect. the white nitro on it is simply lovely; olympic white just looks creamier and warmer in this finish. i also have to say the fit and finish is superior to the cij's i've ever played in several aspects. for one, the chrome control plates are not only a hair thicker, but the edges are finished better, less sharp or harsh. the pickguard's brown tortoise shell is one of the best examples of this material i've ever seen. the japanese and mexican models' tort is disgusting and cheap and give the real deal a bad name. the neck feels great, very comfortable. i do have to admit that i still preferred my hh as the frets were finished better and the width just seemed different. but the avri doesn't feel bad in any sense of the word. the switches and knobs/pots all have solid, smooth movement to them. kluson tuners always seem to have great movement and stability to them, and this guitar's set is no exception.
when i play the jag unplugged, it actually sounds loud for a solid body. the infamously long bridge-to-trem length sacrifices a bit of sustain, but that is a jag after all, isn't it? action isn't flat or what i would call fast. the hh jag had this quality, and it was another reason for my infatuation. i have to admit, though, that the avri's action is totally playable and even pretty easy. i have mine setup with 11's, and my fingers have no problem fretting chords or plucking notes clearly and cleanly.
i'm totally appreciating this instrument that i used to live only in its case to preserve it. i'll review the electric sounds the next time i practice with it. cheers.
