Yeah I agree go schecter....
Shreddy guitars suck...I hate "metal" guitars, specificlly Jacksons...God what a crappy ass guitar...Its like the standard "metal" guitar too, I wouldnt be caught DEAD playing a Jackson. Thin ass midless (ball-less) trebley tone, TERRIBLE feeling finished neck, WAY overpriced and HORRIBLY overrated. I really dont like ESP either, but if you like that feminine Jackson feel, ESPs are at least a teeeny bit more manly feeling.
Ibanezes are ok, I have a 7620, before the 7's were made in Korea, its an ok guitar. Sounds good plays decent...Personally i think I overpayed for it. I really wouldnt reccoment it to anyone, but I guess its perfect for death metal/shred but thats basiclly it...The guitar lacks soul.
BC Rich...unless you get the really expensive custom models, the guitars stink. I personally hate that over the top pointy metally design, i think its just silly.
Personally i love Fender Strats and Telecasters. I love the tone, and I love the fact I have to fight the damn guitar just for it to sound decent. I love the thick baseball bat neck, fighting for every note makes what you play sound so much more real, and deserved. About Mexican strats...The pickups are garbage, but the guitars are good. The higher up Mexican strats are really good with decent pu's. I love G&L's too, I sold my Ibanez Petrucci model, to hopefully get a sweet ass Comanche. Im also a huge Les Paul guy, I love fucking 20lb heavy ass guitars...Sorry Im rambling, im just a HHHHHUUUUGGGGGEEEE ass vintage gear whore...I love shit from the 60s and 70s anyways..
Go schecter, they make the best damn midrange guitars Ive ever played...for 600 bucks you can get a NICE one.