Originally Posted by: jeffhxcan go wrong with gibson les pauls

dont be so sure...I have a Les Paul and I love it, but Gibson is notorious for inconsistancy...some LPs are crap...and almost all SGs are bad too.

I think a strat may well be your best choice...I know I know, everyone plays one and they are too common...but there is a reason why they are so popular.
If you try out and find a good Les paul...that is also a great option...but make sure you try out the exact guitar you buy!!!

with that sort of Money, you may want to look at a Carvin (I think they sell some in that price range) or something...although most custom guitars would probably cost a bit more (I say probably because I dont really know, I am basing this on prices in the Uk and South Africa).

how much to Paul Reed Smith Mahogany standards cost in the US? If you can afford one of those, I'd get it! They rock!

Good luck, and well done for putting aside enough cash to buy a high end guitar!