Undoubtedly the best single guitar I have ever seen close up and played was William Pint's Koa Goodall - but it was the result of much hunting by him and was also very costly. It was also very big.

If you want a really good modern guitar at a reasonable price you are probably better off avoiding the USA and trying some of the custom shops in England - Brook, Fylde, Atkins, Kincade, Northworthy, Armstrong, Manson, and many others.