First off get that "Fender and Gibson" bs out of your head. Just because they're old doesn't make them the best. Not by a long shot. Are they good instruments? Yeah, but not within your price range.

I would recommend Carvin or Cort. They make very different guitars from each other but as far as price for quality is concerned they both blow anything else out of the water equally.

Cort makes more "bold" guitars, so to speak. I prefer Carvin's tone, but your opinion may very easily differ from mine so you should try both. Either company will get you a great deal on a guitar that will last you as long as you still play guitar.