1st Electric Guitar

I've been playing Acoustic guitars for several years now and just joined this site to help me progress in my learning.
I'm in the market for a solid-body electric guitar. I won't be playing for a crowd or band, just in the basement. I'm possibly in an intermediate level.
Looking through these posts, I don't see a lot of discussion on guitar brands.
I've been looking at Fender Telecasters and the various options available. Seems like the MiM versions would suit me fine until I see the need to upgrade to a "better" made guitar. Thoughts on these guitars?
I also have run across "Austin" guitars - offering look alikes made in China. The price on-line is crazy low and I think a few stores around me sell them. ANyone bought an Austin? Can you comment on the guitar?
Thanks for the advice!

I have not purchased Austin.I own a MIM Tele and I doubt you would need to upgrade unless you felt like it. That said if lower price and decent quality are wanted you could look into Agile from Rondo Music. SX from Rondo as well makes some really nice Strat copies and they have some stock to hot rodded Tele copies.

Video of the Tele.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YhrJDejjF4&feature=related

can't go wrong with a tele or a strat

its hard to go past the japanese, mexican or american strats.
im a beginner, but its important to use something reliable, strong, well structured and people know well, its like driving: when you start off, you dont start in something thats motor is about to explode, hard to find parts for, and nobodys seen before.
ill buy a japanese fender texas pickup version today !

david
dr50376272 @ gmail.com

Flame on, but I will give Southern Korea as today's Japan. JMO b;)

I bought an Epiphone lp and had fretts popping out all over and i'm shure this isn't typical but it soured me a little and i was still in my 30 day return so exchanged it for a PRS SE and i would say the PRS is 5 time the Guitar.

Todd

My vote is for the MIM Tele or Strat for that matter. Good overall guitars for the bucks. I think they are better made then the entry level Epi's, and they look good too...You can always upgrade the electronics, like pick-ups, pots and caps later as you get the cash, and you settle on what you like hearing, creating a more personalized sound. Did the latter with a Gibson Studio Worn Brown and it sounds incredible! Same electronics as the Gibson Mike Bloomfield re-issue Burst at a fraction of the cost. Just my 2 cents...

Thanks for the advice. I went with a G&L Tribute S500. Pickups sounded really nice. Looking forward to working on the electric!