It does look like a kondo inspired faceplate doesn't it. The innards look like a diy project. This doesn't say anything about the sound, though.Having seen some of Slawa's handiwork at first hand I can't say I was too impressed. Most of the SW1X kit is essentially cloned in spirit at least from the designs of Kondo/ANUK but I would take their workmanship any day over SW1X.