Learn and Master Guitar actually garners really high ratings. It is a great method, and the most important thing is prob. the members only forum were members can post their problems as they progress to more experienced players and to the author of the book.
You will want to get it while it is on sale though. I think ight now for $100 off.
I think it is truly in a league of it’s own when it comes to completeness and overall methodology.

For the money, the new PRS Semi Hollow got rave reviews in Guitar Player Magazine. I want to say 600-700 price range. It is one of their budget range instruments, however I heard a clip of a guy playing one theough a Z, and it sounded amazing.