hm...i havent played a dot, but i've played 5 epi les pauls...and i think the tone on them are superior to any guitar of its price range ($300 + 650 or so).

I just got my Guild DCE-1 Acoustic/Electric today, it rocks!
but the only thing is, its hard to play phish stuff on it, so im probably going to save up and get the Gibson Les Paul Junior Special ( only because bob marley played that model!:)). but make sure you get a good electric, or you'll get sick of the tone on it quick ( if your like me ).