[ramonesfreak]

if your budget is $1k, you will have great difficulty getting a Gibson

The problem with the epiphone Les Paul, is investment value. There is none. My brother has a beautiful Epi Les Paul with a nice flame. The electronics, like all Epis, are garbage...but the wood and playability and sound, are very nice. 20 years from now, it will likely be worth $400

Does that mean anything to you?

It means alot to me. Ive got a 1990 Paul Reed Smith that i bought for $700 that is now worth $3,000

My other american guitars, will never lose a single penny in depreciation.

Why do you like Les Pauls? They are heavy as hell, have a short scale, and are very expensive.... If you love them, and must have one, you must be prepared to spend more than $1000 for a decent one that is not beat, or else find a crack addict that needs some cash. That said, you could probably find a used one for somewhere between $1K and $2K no problem