Very cool story. What struck me is the amount of time that he/they gave you. He could have been, "Cool, let's take a picture. thanks, have a nice life" but he didn't. I think that shows what "Mrs Ellen" said is that they do it for the fans and when a fan goes to the lengths you did with the Replica, that means a great deal to them. That their music is THAT important to them.
Also, your take on his guitars and their set up, etc is what we all need to remember (I know I do)...the sound comes from within and through the artist, it is NOT the gear playing it self. The gear is a means and a tool. Do better tools work better? Yes, but the largest piece of the outcome is the person hold the instrument.
Well done!!!
So, what's the next project?

"If you make a mistake, do it twice and smile and let people think you meant it." Jan Van Halen.