Wish you a good trip, Sonic!
but one thing to keep in mind is- we all could give you thousands of different recommendations and you could sit down and try out / test play every recommendation, yet not be truly happy with any of them
then you could walk in a pawn shop and grab a $100 to $150 used axe off the wall that has been abused and used..... and then play it and tell yourself "I found the one I want!!!"
so when you go to the guitar store, be sure to play many , not just let it rest on the possibility of 3 brands .......
Look over all the guitars hanging or sitting on stands........ and test each and every one that grabs your eye.... then widdle the list down from there.....
you will know when you have found the guitar you so desire ( since you have already started playing and have a Taylor Acoustic )
it is hard for me to suggest an expensive guitar to someone, who says they are a beginner..... I am almost positive that you will find that the Dean vs the Fender Strat vs the PRS to be like far left middle far right across the spectrum of style & feel.....
just an example of the way i view it on selecting a guitar:
I have a 1 of only 100 made Shecter Custom electric guitars that I paid almost $1300 for and might would sell it for $4k or $5K.......... then I have an Acoustic Guitar that is a Dixon ( a Secondary Brand attempt by Martin back in the 80's ) that I would not take $20K for if you was waving the cash in my face, it sounds and plays that good to me/for me......
again, good luck on the treasure hunt
<S>
TC
PS: if they have em, try yourself a Jackson, or a Schecter, or an Ibanez .... try guitars that have a Tremolo/Vibrato and try some with String Through Body &/or Hard Tail Bridges......... try some with Bigsby Vibrato arms.....see & feel the difference ........ try some that are maple fretboards then try some that are rosewood........ I myself prefer Maple for most of my instruments......
