His buget is $1500.00 he will not find a new Gibson LP in his price range unless it is stolen or a LP studio on sale. SPAMINATOR brought up a good point about what he is going to play his new guitar through.
The selections are valid but will also eat up most if not all his buget.
Look into a Fender Deville 2x12 or 4x10 there good amps ($725 to $800) you'll still have half your money and quality amp to boot.
You can find Gibson SG's on sale for $800 to $900 so you'll be not much over buget.
You can also cruise pawn shops and look for a used amp & guitar. If you don't know what to look for Ie: trouble with amps or electric guitars take a more experienced friend who can trouble shoot for you. This way you won't get taken on a great deal that will cost you triple your buget in repairs.
You can also buy a botique guitar (LP Knock off that is of good quality) and Hot rod it, always an option. (I like the Michael Kelly Patirot series myself, beautiful woods, well made and a price range from $385.99 to $499.99) You could buy gibson 490's & 590's pickups or any other brand, GFS,Seymour Duncan's, DiMarzio's or EMG Actives (Zakk wilde set).
Go to the Guitar Center or Sam Ash (if you live in the USA) and play the guitar you chose through the type of amp you want.
Good luck
Bootleger <img src="images/smiley_icons/icon_twisted.gif" border=0 alt="Twisted Evil">
Bootlegger guitars.