If you want a good, affordable pro-level instrument without spending an arm and a leg, get yourself an LTD by ESP, the 250 or 400 series H, M, MH, EC, or Viper models - these are good-priced neck-thru guitars with good features like decent wood, pickups, and hardware (not to mention the craftsmanship is way better than anything by Jackson in the same price range). You can probably find one in a catalog for $350 - $650. Unless you can afford an American-made Jackson, don't buy one. Same goes for BC Rich.