In my view, I've been in love with the Gibson SG (solid guitar) since I saw the guitarist off U2 play it in the concert in Berlin. It's not as famous as the Les Paul, so it's not as expensive... but it's got SO MUCH individuality! Get the same pickups as the Les Paul, so you'll have the same sound... they look BEAUTIFUL, sound the same...
And COST a LOT less.
Also... have you ever looked at any of the Ibanez models? They kick ass. Someday I'll get one!
E-mail me and tell me what you got!
paddybodenham@talk21.com