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...