I snagged my PRS custom 24 for $1350 used. It is in very good condition, and plays and sounds like a dream. It has 24 frets, and the "flying bird" inlays. When it comes down to it, fdd, you shouldn't be terribly afraid to look around at used guitars. Most guitars under $1000 these days are factory pressed pieces of shit. When you play them in the store, they seem like the holy grail, and then fall apart a couple years later. Also, I find that my tone lust could never be satiated with a guitar that wasn't built like a tree trunk. So, go out and have a look in places that carry used instruments. The less specialized they are, the better. Pawn shops can be great for this, as the owners sometimes don't do the research to see what they really have, and will sell a '59 Les Paul in fair condition for less than a '05 Les Paul in mint. It's rare, but it happens. Good guitars will last a lifetime, so I've always found that it's better to get a well-made one secondhand than a decently-made guitar new for the same price. Happy shopping.
S-Town