Again, many thanks for the suggestions and the discussion.
Right now, I'm gathering recommendations, then I'll start trying them out at dealers. I figure that's the only way to find the guitar that best suits me in terms of feel, solid tuners, and quality electronics.
Leftyguitar, thanks for letting me know your model was a Standard. They have been recommended elsewhere, and I found what looks like a good review on youtube.
Agiles have been highly recommended as well, such as the relatively inexpensive Agile AL-2000 P-90 Gold Top (although some argue that tuners don’t hold up that well)
Does anyone have experienced with the Eko line, in particular, the Eko VL480S Les Paul?
Rustyslide, I live up by Toronto Canada. As for guitarists and styles I like, my primary interest in the guitar would be for blues and R&B.
Of course, there are many great blues guitarists. If I had to pin it down, aside from the obvious ones like Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jimi Hendrix, I like Albert King, Elmore James, Hound Dog Taylor, and recently, especially from a production perspective, have been listening to Junior Kimbrough.
Of these, I probably would go with Albert King. Any suggestions based on that?
Also, for saxes, some pros got together and posted a free online resource designed to guide the player from basic technique and theory all the way to recording techniques.
http://www.saxontheweb.net/Rock_n_Roll/Is there any similar resource for guitarists. I've been looking online and haven't found anything as of yet.
Thanks again!