For those if you looking for an inexpensive, amazingly versitile axe, might I recommend the SE series by Paul Reed Smith. I bought the Tremonti version, and I couldnt be happier with it. To be honest, its tone is far better than my LP Studio and was a fraction of the price. (Also a fraction of the weight) The guitar would serve a beginner as well as a seasoned verteran. Obviously, this is just my opinion, but if you are looking for a great guitar in the $400 price range, do yourself a favor and at least check one of these out... Oh yeah, I forgot to mention it comes with a free gig bag. You could drop it off of a 3 story building and not damage the guitar. This bag is super padded!
Mumbus
http://home.rochester.rr.com/mumbus/
Mumbus
http://home.rochester.rr.com/mumbus/