You might consider saving just a little bit (until you have around 600) and get this:
Gretsch Guitars G5122 Double Cutaway Electromatic Hollowbody Electric Guitar: Shop Guitars & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend . Musiciansfriend currently has one used at 600.
Its a freaking AMAZING guitar. I plan on making it my next purchase myself. This is my rhythm guitarists baby lol. Seriously, I played this thing and was able to get a sweet, smooth chicago blues tone. Cranked the Gain a bit and adjusted the equalizer and had this incredibly thick, chunky delta-blues-meets-distortion sound. Think Hendrix but a bit cleaner and more bright. And its made of maple, which I personally like. Other than that, try
Epiphone Limited Edition Riviera Custom P93 Electric Guitar: Shop Guitars & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend