I also had a hard time getting a good acoustic tone out of the T5 straight into an acoustic amp or PA. It is, after all, really an electric guitar. I think people that buy it hoping it will sound like an acoustic as-is find this generally to be true.
I picked up a Zoom A2.1u acoustic modeling/effects pedal for very small money in like-new condition and I am able to get a very convincing acoustic tone out of the T5 now. Certainly not as good as a real, full-blown acoustic, but not bad. That pedal is really nice, it has a whole bunch of effects and parameters that can be used although it does take a little time tearing into the manual. Like many of these pedals that do so much, there's a learning curve but I didn't find this one too bad at all. But then again I'm also a techy kind of guy who actually likes reading manuals. (I know, weird, right?)
Another thing I started doing after reading many posts hear and elsewhere was using the heavier gauge Elixrs. That helped with a better tone and also tamed that G string because it's wound. It took a little getting used to after playing the 11's for so long. At first it felt like I'd put freaking clothesline on the darn guitar. Now, I don't even notice it.
As for the fret board inlay, I was of the same opinion. Generally speaking I prefer minimal fret markers, either a single marker of some kind at the 12th fret or better yet, nothing at all. What I really hate is inlays that traverse the whole fret board so at first I was not digging the island vine inlay. But although it does just that, the island vine inlay just seems to work with this guitar and the whole dark vibe. It grew on me and then the whole guitar started to haunt me until I had to buy it.
It was an online purchase (Wildwood - great guys). I finally called them up just to chat and ask questions about the guitar. When I heard it was one of only 12 made, I was all done!
All that being said, I am about to trade it off! I know, I know, it's so beautiful and SO rare. But I'm only doing an acoustic duo these days with my wife and I have a chance to trade it for an incredible Northwood full acoustic in Brazilian Rosewood with an Adirondack top. And since it's a trade neither of us will take a beating on the value. In fact, I'm even coming out a little bit ahead on the deal. So we'll see. It's not a done deal yet but looking really good.
If I played other styles this guitar would be a keeper. But I'm not a collector and also not wealthy, so when a new, expensive guitar comes, an expensive one has to go!
