So a while back I posted trying to look for an amp or a way to upgrade my set up. With college starting back up and me having to move I decided to just save the cash I had for a time when I could shop around. Instead of an amp though I'm looking to upgrade my guitar (a MIM strat). I like playing blues, but I also want to be able to play harder rock and even some metal on my new guitar. Guitar center is running a deal for the next two weeks where I can trade in my strat and get store credit along with 15% off any other purchase. So I've been making trips to different guitar stores and playing a whole wide array of instruments. I liked certain schecter, jackson, and ibanez products, but they didn't seem to be of the best value or fit me right. I really like the way ESP's play, and gibsons too.. and have narrowed it down to about 3-4 different guitars.

ESP MH-1000
http://www.guitarcenter.com/ESP-LTD-Deluxe...954-i1175986.gc

ESP EC-1000
http://www.guitarcenter.com/ESP-LTD-Deluxe...629-i1149002.gc

Gibson SG Standard
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Gibson-SG-Stan...509-i1149261.gc

Les Paul Studio
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Gibson-Les-Pau...843-i1149141.gc

I'm trying to keep the price below 1,500$ USD, I have some good money saved.. but not quite the 2,500 to drop on a standard les paul haha. Any Suggestions?

Used Les Paul Standard, or aim for the ESP versions of those ltd guitars

I really like the SG standard, it's a great guitar, really depends on what you're after. I'm not a big fan of Les Paul Studios, i think the standard is just so much more guitar.
Personally if i was getting just one of those I would probably go for the EC 1000 but with the Seymour Duncans for a more versatile guitar.
Like Zakk Wylde said, a used Les Paul Standard is really a good idea though...

what about

http://www.guitarcenter.com/ESP-Standard-S...653-i1149019.gc

+1000

That is an AWESOME guitar!
I know 'cause I've had one

For that price (1499$) it's probably one of the best guitars you can get!

That's what I was talking about!
The ESP blows the ltd series out of the water and the built quality is on Gibson Custom Shop level!

I have an Eclipse I and I love it!

what about the Satriani model Ibanez js1200 or something?

With Gibson LP you get a sturdy guitar that will last you a lifetime

So my standard eclipse 2 came today and it looked absolutely amazing. However the b string was broken.. so I decided to completely restring the brand new guitar. When I loosened and clipped the final remaining string the lock below the bridge fell to the floor since it was suspended by the strings. I noticed then that the bridge itself was rather loose. I fed the new strings back through the lock and fed the E through and started to tighten it and it sounded fine. Then I moved on to the A string and started to tighten and heard a really bad buzzing noise that wouldn't go away.. no matter how I tightened or loosened the string the buzz wouldn't go away. So now I'm left wondering what to do.. probably just gunna try to take it to guitar center tomorrow.

Yeah, take it there, and maybe get it set up properly? Nothing's as anoying as new gear that's not working....

Finally after much delay.. the epic ESP standard eclipse!!

damn....that's one B.A. quilt top haha. what finish is that?

wow, it reminds of chocolate...freaking beautiful

amber cherry sunburst

I am so jealus i really want an esp

Pretty nice! Gratz!

We need sound clips!

Wow, the finish is awesome man, congratulations!

Love that top!!!! Congrats!!!