I would take a look at the Yamaha Aes 620...single cut away, set beck, string thru-body, H-H, killer guitar.
They also have really nice Flamed Maple tops...a really good looking guitar, with Seymour Duncan Jb in the neck...and they go for about 600USD, try it out! I say rather spend more on a guitar, if it will last you longer and enhance your enjoyment...it`s no use buying a cheaper guitar that doesnt inspire you as much as a more expensive one...You seem pretty keen on Gibsons(and rightly so, I love my Studio Lp) so why not save a few months and only then buy summin new?