You just have to get out and try em hey.

I have a Prs Custom 22 artist pacakge, its gorgeous, and if you can find a second hand Prs (a Ce would be a good choice) I'd give t a look.
I also have a Gibson Les Paul Studio, which is nice, but probably not the best value for money around.

I quite like Esp, and I think a nice highend Ltd model could be just what you are looking for, try the Ec1000 or the H1000(I think)

anyway...just try out a few guitars hey...you'll find a nice guitar for that money.