Many great replies, everyone. I really appreciate it, and for hearing that those that have them truly like them.
Bynapkinart, your koa is likely the cat's meow. I don't know that the rosewood/cedar will hold a candle, but we'll see. Thanks for your take on the heaviness compared to the KoAloha, but I get your point about the loud and bright KoAloha being, for all it's power and glory, in some senses a "one trick pony" (I know I'm going to get the switch across the butt for writing that). I'm looking forward to some diversity, if for no other reason than a tenor size.
GKK, I just happen to have a fresh set of Fremont Blacklines right here next to me as we speak....hee hee hee (sinister snarl). Thanks for the tip.
Slack, just before I bought this one, I dutifully searched UU Forums just to make sure Ponos were okay instruments, and when I saw that Eddie Vedder plays one, I jumped in feet first. LOL You know, Eddie being the nuanced player that he is....lol. But, I did see your older thread (and one recently, I thought) and whipped out my Discover card faster than Wyatt Earp to snap it up before you saw it. LMAO No, I'm kidding. I figured you'd seen it, given your recent posts.
And, honestly, you might well have done the proper thing to wait for the 2012 lighter models, although when I look at their website, I see nothing specifically about the lighter builds.
Sounds like I bought an anchor.
The only negative I see about Ponos, and they actually address it on the FAQ section of their website, is some online comments about cracking soundboards. I will humidify in my plastic Steri-lite humidor. But, I just wonder if the lighter build will be even more finicky in that sense.
I just couldn't afford to pay the higher price of a new one (and I think they're higher in 2012 than prior years, so going up; probably the Eddie Vedder factor). I thank you, slack, b/c if it weren't for you passing on it, and ordering the youtube video, I'd likely never have even seen it. Thanks for that. And, this you can take to the bank: if I don't like it for any reason, I'll mark it up 15% from what I paid for it and give you first dibs on buying it. Promise. lol.
I'm just ribbing you, friend.
Now, everyone, let's help slackkey007 find his 2012 light build Pono! Thanks all.