I like my good Ole cheap Gibson LP Studios. After I touch up the frets, I cut a proper nut, swap 500k Bornes pots, and good caps and pickups, I have not been happier. All from $500-700 and they all play great and sound killer.
I know that I will catch flack, but I am happy where I am at, and part of the work is a non-issue for me because I have the training and enjoy doing it tbh.
I must also my Eclipse is a beast.
A Paul Reed Smith has NEVER done it for me. Bland, sterile and uninspiring to me across the board. I have worked, tech'd, and played them. Just at the end of the day not for me.