Taking the Douglas Violin Plunge?

I have this problem; I have bought 3 Epiphone Violas over the last eighteen years but eventually sold them all as my personal and professional needs have changed. I am well aware of the instrument's less than obvious versatility, durability, and overall value. Now, I need (uh, want?) another. I could go to the GC used site, as they are plentiful at around $249, but it appears to me that the Rondo Douglas Violin bass is nearly identical. Now, there is no headstock problem that a strip of black electrical tape won't solve, but how can it be that these knock-offs of a knock-off be any good? I love cheap basses (despite having some very nice MIA and MIJ Fenders), and am severely tempted. I have read various threads here, and it appears these could indeed be sourced from the same factory as the Epiphones. Quite a few seem to like them! At $180 shipped, I'm thinking I can hardly go wrong; what say you?

 

Ah, that dry Connecticut humor! My home state as well. You are right, of course.

 

Those look really nice! I really cannot see any difference with the Epi save for the zero fret and headstock--neither of which matter for me. Are these as gig-worthy as the Epi Violas?

 

The Epi Viola has the same control configuration as the Douglas (VVT); at a glance, they look identical. I just wonder if the electronics are as good.