I think the Empeg Mark 1 looks better in person than in that particular photo. I'm sure there are some photographs of you that aren't flattering, right? Well, the same thing can happen with the Empeg. Some photos accurately convey what it looks like, others don't.

The handle does not "cover" the display, the display is actually cut to the shape you see there. But I believe your main complaint is the screws that are visible on the face. That is a common complaint amongst all Mark 1 users. But once you actually get the thing fired up and the visuals start going, you forget about all of that.

Tony Fabris
Empeg #144