A couple of guitars that are great for the price.....

Gibson Flying V faded (our bass player has one, it has the same pickups that a Les Paul Classic has)

Gibson SG Gothic (I bought a used one for $450, nice guitar, especially the ebony fretboard, but I'm gonna change out the pup's, not hot enough for my taste)

Both can be bought for less than a grand......and they are Gibson's, not epi's....there is a big difference in quality.