Sounds like you have your heart set on an Epi LP. But consider Hagstrom. They make very nice guitars right in your price range. I have a number of Gibsons (a couple LPs, a couple ES-135s) and a couple Gretschs. But I play my Hagstrom Viking almost exclusively. I gig with it. I record with it. I love it.
And if you're sold on the LP style, take a look at the Hagstrom Swede. I had a vintage version way back and loved it. I haven't played these new re-issue Swedes, but a buddy has one and raves about it.
You get a lot of guitar for the money with Hagstroms.
Vikinghttp://www.hagstromguitars.com/Viking.htmlhttp://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/p...tar?sku=513354Swedehttp://www.hagstromguitars.com/Swede.htmlhttp://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/p...tar?sku=513340