The other thing I would add to Ali's post (which was great by the way) is that as you narrow down your choice from the above suggestions, you should also try playing as many guitars as you can in stores. Make sure that they are in ok condition and have nice strings (boo bad strings) before you judge the guitar. You should also try and test them through an amp similar to the one you have.
This may all be common knowlege for you, I am not sure, but it is helpful. One guitar I bought sounded great in the store, but it had new strings and I played it through a really great tube amp. (Orange) When I got home and tried it with my Blue Voodoo (Older model, less watts and may have been slightly mishandled by someone that looks shockingly like me) The guitar didn't sound anywhere near as nice.
Anyway, I thought I would pass this on. Hopefully it isn't redundant...
I'm sorry about that. Narrowing it down I am a true Gibson fan at heart and that is probably what I am steering towards getting. a 6 string Electric. Brand New. Used mainly for rock (Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, etc.) Good clean Sound... not sure about finish... any input from anyone would be GREATLY appreciated.
How much are the Santana SEs in the states? Do like those. I'm not really a Gibson fan I'm afraid but the range is so vast I think you'd have to find a big store, put aside a day and just try everything!!!
For what it's worth, I've got a bunch of guitars, including a MM Axis and a '63 Gibson 335. My favorite guitar, and the one I gig with, is the Axis. They can be had on EBay for $1,000 and are worth much more. And they will appreciate in value in coming years. Do not confuse the Axis with the Axis SS, which is just not in the same league.
You might want to try to pick up a used (new condition) Paul Reed Smith guitar. Right now there is a ton on Ebay selling for insane prices considering what they cost new .
I find the build quality to be better than the Gibson non-historic line & their sound range is closer to Gibson than Fender.
Well, if you really have your heart set on something new that plays like a Gibson, you can get a new Gibson SG, Explorer, Les Paul or Flying V. They all have models for under a grand, as long as you don't want a fancy finish.
Unfortunately, you can't get an inexpensive 335 new for anything near $1,000. If you like that model check out a new Epiphone 335 model.
Guitars play differently, you can have two guitars side by side that look the same but play differently and one will it tuning better that the other.
You really have to play as many as you can until you fine the one that you like!