$500 budget...what to buy?

[len]

older Jackson USA bolt on

[Smallz]

A warmoth 24.75 conversion neck and a body from......

this one is a good idea.

[zeegler]

Peavey Vandenbergs would fall well under that range and they're great players. You might even find a cosmetically challenged Nightswan for $500-ish, they're one of my favorite short scale guitars.

Add Destinys to the list too. USA made, neck thru, short scale.

[straycat]

The bolt on Vandenbergs vary greatly, check the neck pocket some will have large gaps between the neck and body (wood shrinkage over time)If you find one with a tight neck pocket you are good to go.They mostly have the Kahler 2700 trem which is OK.

[yard dawg]

What about these? Slap some duncans in it and go

http://www.ravenwestguitar.com/rgamqu2.html

[jwoods986]

older Jackson USA bolt on

I'm sure those are 25.5" scale. Plus, the upper-fret access isn't so great if you have small hands.

[Sinistas]

late 80s Carvin, if you can find one

[krimson]

PRS Custom SE

[slash]

+1000

Check out this thread...
http://www.jcfonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54333

[slash]

late 80s Carvin, if you can find one

Carvin made 24.75" scale guitars in the 80's now most of their guitars are 25" scale.

[Sinistas]

Hence why I said late 80s Carvin, since he likes that scale length. I've got an '89 and love it.

[1trussell]

A warmoth 24.75 conversion neck and a body from......

I'll vote for that one as well.

If you want a USA made axe, you'll need to be patient to find one in great condition for that kind of money. If you can live with something that's been beat, but is plenty solid, you might have some better luck.

If you want an import, a lot of great suggestions have already been made.

My personal favorites in that scale length are the USA Hamers. But I doubt you'll find one under $500 anytime soon. If you do, let me know and I'll buy it out from under you.

[slash]

Hence why I said late 80s Carvin, since he likes that scale length. I've got an '89 and love it.

Yes sir.... I figured that's why you were refering to them

[slayer]

My 2006 custom Carvin DC125 has the 25 scale, it plays awsome!! It will play even better with 9-42 strings, it came with 10-46. Jack.

[straycat]

Thats my fav of the Carvins too Jack, bad ass.
The PRS custom SE is nice but the top is flat and kind of uncomfortable to play JMO.