How good a guitar do I need?

[mjbphotos]

I got some hot alnico pickups from GFS for my Tele, as my old original pickups were failing (need to be rewound, I assume). Got the 'no solder' kit, as my pots were getting noisy, so replaced the whole electric system. It sounds better than it did when I bought it new in 72!

 

[Deck Stoke]

I've had a Harley Benton Vintage Series 52T for around a year.
I cost me around £130 Inc shipping.
I can't fault it.
It makes all the noises that I like, & after I lowered the action it plays just how I want it too.
I'm into modern and vintage Rockabilly.
I love the Roswell single coil pickups, but judging by your username you could probably do with Humbuckers to get the sound you want.
Check out the Harley Benton range.
I'd definitely buy another one.

 

[bileshake]

Ok, if you haven't heard enough already let me give it a shot. In my opinion of the order of importance for a direct recording guitar...
...intonation,
...action,
...pickups, - easily fixxed with $90 for bridge pu
...inspiration -feel in your hands
...tonewood -people will pooh pooh this but an ash tele/maple baritone/mahogany SG
are drastically different in tone.
...how much you paid and how pretty it is.
Intonation, action and feel are the hardest things to achieve this is where a better guitar shines almost instantly. If you have a clunker guitar that hits on those three you are fortunate and you can upgrade the bridge humbucker for under $100.