ms1012 wrote:i used to own a schecter c-1. great guitar, kinda miss it. as with fender, i can't speak from experience with MIM's, but i love both of my americans to death. no problems whatsoever. however, for the money you are getting an extremely good quality instrument with ESP's. i just hate Floyd Roses, EMG's, etc. and most of their guitars seem to be more metal based, even though there are a few exceptions. i think there's a question of quality control with every mass produced brand, just some more than others.
They make a bunch of non-metal guitars but they aren't exported

Check out Edwards, same company, but all classic designs... ie lawsuit... I blame metal players for ESP having most metal guitars, if people bought more of the "normal" models or asked for other pickups and hardwear then they would make and sell more of them.
Personally I love fender basses with reverse headstocks but I have not played a new fender in like 8 years that really impressed me

I think old Ibanezes like blazers rip any new fender. When I go into a store and want to try something first common brand I'll grab is a Ibanez.