I'm personally a fan of ESP/Some LTD's (most LTD's feel like cheapo guitars to me and I've owned a MH-1000 and EC-1000), Blackmachine, Caparison, and Suhr.

I currently have a ESP Horizon Custom from 93-94'.

I would kill for a Blackmachine.

We still don't know what kind of music you play, but for $400ish I would recommend a Schecter. They make the best guitars in this price range hands down.

If your serious enough about it, spend a little more then 400 bucks.

And Scheter is a decent guitar, but i prefer Jackson.

I own both and have no complaints.

My barritone C-1 Hellraiser (Schecter) has an extremely low end sound and
is kept in drop A/B/C tunings because of such. But i found that Jackson's
sound is a lot cleaner and more distinctive that my Scheters. Hope that helps.