I've owned Fender (Strat and Tele), Gibson (Les Paul), Guild (Starfire), and various other electrics. My current electric axe is a PRS -- great materials and workmanship, great playability, a sound that is extremely flexible but never loses its personality. Kind of pricey, but cheaper than endless trial-and-error. But ultimately, the instrument you choose should be one that feels right, sounds right, and suits the kinds of music you play. Don't expect to get the jangly Byrds sound with a Les Paul, and don't expect to play Jimmy Page licks on a Rickenbacker 12-string.