Although I've never played one, from what I've heard, Epiphone Elitist Models are extremely good value for money. Many musicians consider them the same quality as Gibsons, just with an Epiphone headstock.

The reviews on Harmony Central are also very good: http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar/product/Epiphone/Elitist+Les+Paul+Custom/10/1

My advice: try one, try a Gibson, try a lower-end Epiphone. Let your ears decide whats good enough