If you like the Fender sound and playability, look at the G&L guitars--after selling Fender, Leo started another company and further refined his instruments--the look is the same, but they are better made than the Fenders, with a number of design improvements--haven't checked prices lately, but the new instruments used to be a bit less than Fenders, and the used instruments were a bit cheaper as well--

I suggest you look at Peavey guitars, as well--they are as well made as the best Gibsons and Fenders, they play well, tend to be versatile(a tele may offer the bite you need for rock'n'roll, but may be a bit raw for R&B)--

A couple of other things, don't confuse your work guitar with a collectible guitar--You want something that sounds good, does what you want, and is reliable--you don't need it to increase in value--(if you don't want it to depreciate, buy a used one, which will already be depreciated) most of all, you don't want it to be any bigger target for thieves than it is already, and, in case something does happen to it, you want to be able to be easy to replace--

One last thing, always try instruments out,them through the same amp set up--I recommend taking your practice amp with you (I know it is a pain, but you should be used to hauling amps around)--this way, the only variable is going to be the guitar--