I'm inclined to say a Gibson Les Paul Studio just off the top of my head but I would love to hear what you all think.

fender tele or strat

Those low-dollar Gibsons definitely have a lot of bang-for-buck. Alternatively....

I wish they were still making the old-style Reverends

A no-frills Warmoth could be made under $1000

I've never played a Hamer, but they seem cool

Can you still get an American Fender under a grand?

A Benford. For 1K, you could have QUITE the custom guitar!

yeah , actualy they have an american tele for like 650

Fender Highway 1....American made and killer tone out of the Tele

Latest cheap gibsons' I've Played (60 tributes) have been crap. Feel like they're made from Balsa, too.......

I must say, I just picked up a Gibson Les Paul 60's tribute in gold. It's a fantastic guitar, and given the money a pretty sweet value.

So I'll disagree with the above post. Fit, finish, playability etc... all fantastic. And, they're chambered so they won't break your back.

Fender Highway 1....American made and killer tone out of the Tele

I with you there Dusty. I love mine!

I must say, I just picked up a Gibson Les Paul 60's tribute in gold. It's a fantastic guitar, and given the money a pretty sweet value.

So I'll disagree with the above post. Fit, finish, playability etc... all fantastic. And, they're chambered so they won't break your back.

I got one of these on the way. After 3 LPs (my very 1st guitar actually the famous 62 SGLP), hope to keep this one for sure.

The P90s samples I've heard from it so far seem good. But may want to swap them out for the SD Phat Cat Staples. Those things are simply awesome!

On Sale an American standard strat or tele , but the natural finish LP is close second.

Godin makes several under a grand.

I must say, I just picked up a Gibson Les Paul 60's tribute in gold. It's a fantastic guitar, and given the money a pretty sweet value.

So I'll disagree with the above post. Fit, finish, playability etc... all fantastic. And, they're chambered so they won't break your back.

I got one of these on the way. After 3 LPs (my very 1st guitar actually the famous 62 SGLP), hope to keep this one for sure.

The P90s samples I've heard from it so far seem good. But may want to swap them out for the SD Phat Cat Staples. Those things are simply awesome!

Yes, the P90's sound good but they'll be going soon. I bought this guitar specifically to turn it into and LP Deluxe with mini hum buckers. I'm going to put a set of Seymour Duncan Antiquity II in there

fender tele or strat

+1

Godin makes several under a grand.

But aren't they made in Canada?

A Benford. For 1K, you could have QUITE the custom guitar!

+1. I love my Benford custom. Phenomenal craftsmanship and stunning value for money. http://www.benfordguitars.com/

Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor plays a Binford 2000 if i recall ,,, lol ... sorry bad joke

fender tele or strat

+1

+2

Does Logan count?

Does Logan count?

Yup.

Bob Logan lives only about 15 miles from me. I actually visited his shop back in late 2010, and was going to buy an Esquire from him, but things went weird for me money-wise. Someday, I might get back on track, and give him some Esquire business.

I was under the impression that the American Fenders are priced over $1,000 which is why I said a Les Paul Studio. It's good to know there are still options from the big 2.

I checked out the Benford site and that guy does some great work!

Logan's stuff looks phenomenal.

Now if I could just get a Trussart Steelcaster for those prices!

I agree... the LP 60s tribute. A buddy of mine just got one and he's stoked about how nice it is. He says he bought it based on so many good reviews

Benford's a really nice guy who's quite the builder. Among the people closely associated with Six String Bliss, almost all have a Benford and when there was a get-together, everyone brought theirs and it was a nice tour of the brand. Lots of bases covered. Really cool stuff.