Well not knowing the budget. Like dvenetian said, buy crap, play crap. I am 36, been playing since I was 16. I had my share of crap guitars through the years! And i wish someone, like this site, had been around then to point me in the right direction. I bought a Schecter C-1 last year, that I love. And came across a Schecter Gryphon a few months ago that is really nice! The Gryphon is around $400 new. Maybe this might be an option.

EDIT: The Gryphon has a phenominal finish, dual HB's and coil tap!!