You really can't go wrong with a decent Fender American Strat or A Gibson Les Paul Standard. While the Gibson sells for much more than $1000 new, you can find one used in a local trade paper or on the internet used within your price range. I would reiterate that you should not buy a guitar unless you have an opportunity to play it first. As for the Fender Strat, it's price is reasonable, its made of quality wood, and the guitar can accomodate just about any style of music you are into. Some of the Fender Mexican made Strats actually sound pretty good as well (hard to believe but true) Some of the old Fender Squiers (made in the early 1980's in Japan) are also decent guitars with a much lower price tag.