Need new guitar suggestions

[Thor Von Clemson]

So my wife told me to pick out a guitar for my birthday/christmas present. I can spend up to $700 and I am wondering if you guys can make some suggestions.

First off, this will be my backup to my SLS but I want to get something that can hold its own.

I'd like to get something that close to my SLS in as many specs as possible. I guess neck, scale length, neck-thru body wood, and neck wood are most important.

Basically, that means I need something with a neck similar to a KV2T neck (for those of you who have not played a 1997 SLS), a 25.5 scale, a mahogany body/neck, a neck thru and a rosewood fretboard. I don't mean to be too picky, but I love my SLS and I want to get something similar. If I could find another SLS, I'd get one of those but the 97 ones seem rare.

Other important specs would be the bridge, pickups, and finish. I'd like a hardtail, something with high output pickups, and if possible a flamed top..

I'd like to stay away from anything with EMG's in it because I am scared I will like them too much. I realize that may sound silly, but I can not afford to put EMG's in my SLS. I'm sure someone around here has experienced that before.

I think there are a few ESP guitars that may fit some of the specs I am looking for but I am open to other suggestions.

[RacerX]

Schecter should have something that fits the bill.

[slash-ed]

C-1 Classic, very cool.

[Thor Von Clemson]

how big of a difference does scale length make? I've wanted a Dean '79 V for the longest time and the scale is shorter than I may be used to.

I wonder if I just need to play it and get used to it for a while.

[guitar08man]

as far as scale length goes, i own guitars with both scales, and its really no biggie.

[skorb]

yup, I don't notice scale length at all when going from my Fender to my Gibson. people make too much of it.

[thetroy]

Jackson SLSMG or Shecter C-1 of sorts or maybe an LTD? I don't know much about them

[toejam]

What about a Carvin? Though, they're 25" scale.

I've got 24.75", 25" and 25.5" scale guitars in my collection, and I don't have a problem switching back and forth between them.

[Soap]

dk2

[toejam]

dk2

He wants a neck-thru.

[jim777]

I'd go for a used DC400 off the Bay if you could find with the mahogany neck option and could handle the 25" scale.

[mccullpl]

I'd go for the Dean...They're really nice playing guitars! To agree with what others have said, I don't really notice the scale difference between my KV2 and my Dean.

[j2379]

yeah the scale length doesnt effect me i have 24 5/8" & 25 1/2" guitars you just need heavier strings on the short scales.

[Tashtego]

I'm going to disagree about the scale length difference. I notice it when I go from my 25.5 " Jackson to my 24.75" LP . I should qualify that by also saying it is a double whammy because upper fret access so comfortable on the Jackson compared to the LP but even it it were a wash in that regard I find it harder to cleanly do my chromatic scale exercises on the LP because my fingers rub together more. FWIIW

[Thor Von Clemson]

Good news. The price limit has increased to $1000-$1300. I guess a little extra work goes a long way.

I am thinking I may want to pickup another USA Jackson... I am hoping to track down some guitars I have sold in the past but I am going to keep my eye out for a used USA.. I know they do not exactly fit my description but I, like many of you, love USA Jacksons.

Any other suggestions with the new pricerange?