Just to play devil's advocate on the "shredder" guitars, a buddy of mine had a Carvin "Ultra V" (I think was what it was called) and though I really have to try a guitar before I buy it, I could not have been more impressed by the quality, sound and looks of that Carvin. Don't get me wrong, the Carvin was around $850 (best I remember) so I'm not talking about a "budget" guitar by any means, but itwas neck-thru body, Floyd Rose, 24 frets and a hard-shell case for that $850. That was probably the "best" shredder guitar for the money I have ever played. The guy who had it lost it in a pawn shop. I wish he would have let me know about it, or I would have the thing.
Bryant