No need to spend a lot of money for a good single cutaway electric; the LTD EC-256 series of guitars are probably the best value in the Eclipse line. This EC-256 has a flame maple top added high frequency response as well as vintage styling. ESP's powerful LH-150 Humbuckers with chrome covers for smoother tones and classic looks. The push/pull tone knob lets you split the humbuckers to get single coil sounds. A very affordable, yet serious instrument; and could serve as a great platform for custom modifications.