Need help picking out a guitar
 

I'm currently looking for a new guitar (or at least new to me in great condition) and have about $500 to spend on it, but am not sure what I want.

I have an American Strat already, so the single-coil sound is covered, and am looking for an electric with humbuckers and a 24.75" scale for rhythm and more 'bitey' leads. So far I have been looking at Epiphone Les Pauls and browsed some Ibanez short scaled guitars. I really like Ibanez' offerings, but seem to have few 24.75" scale guitars in the intermediate quality range. Heard also that Epiphone quality is hit or miss.

Hardtail is ideal, but non-Floyd Rose style trem would be OK. Definitely not looking for a BC Rich or any other 'strictly metal' guitars...

Any thoughts or recommendations on what I could look into or look harder at?

Thanks.

You can get a good looking, good-sounding Les Paul copy from Agile. Apparently they're just as good and not so hit and miss as epiphones and for about half the price ($250). Check it out here or look up the reviews at harmony central.

Wow - great lead on that one...I have never seen such high reviews on Harmony-Central for imitations (let along most name brands other than PRS.) Thanks for the info - I'll probably order one today.

I have an epiphone Les Paul sunburst and the tone on that baby is no hit or miss.

Play one in the store and then select. There are several guitars around 500 bucks that are ok.

Let us know how you like it! I am in the market for a new electric as well...would love to hear a personal review of this one. (although I dont think I can get one over here :()

Believe it or not I placed the order on the set neck copy of the Les Paul on Tuesday AM and Wednesday PM it was waiting for me at home.

For what I paid, this guitar is remarkable. I expected either really cheesy fretwork or blemishes in the finish, but the fit and finish on this one is excellent. It's a solid wood flame top and for one fifth the price of the real deal, is a great alternative to the real thing (even the trapezoid inlays look more like those on the Les Paul than the Epihpones (no offense to Epi players.) The pickups are definitely microphonic, so I may be looking to swap those out for only that reason down the road, but everything else is perfect (can't believe the sustain on it.) Fretboard is flawless.

Customer support is excellent, accommodating and quick to respond. I've never been comfortable with 'off brand' guitars before, but this one seems like a winner. Everything on Harmony-Central has been right on.

Thanks again for the lead - what a find.

np, good to hear you like it. Only problem is now i want one too ;p