Don't overlook Schecters, Carvins, Jacksons- all high-quality instruments that are reasonably priced.
I don't know if it's lefty-related, but I've never picked up a Gibson LP that played well, Epiphones have been consistently better in that regard. Far and away the best LP I've played was one by a Heritage Guitars, but it was $1400.
"There, in huge black letters, was 'The Grateful Dead'. It just... cancelled my mind out."-Garcia