Here's a top of the line, Japanese-made guitar for $1629. Next cheapest one I could find was an E-II (cheaper version) for $2100, excluding shipping from the US.
Absolutely phenomenal to play - neck feels fantastic on these things. Is indeed one of the ESP Standard series, which have now been replaced by the inferior E-II lineup.
As mentioned in every post I've made about ESP, not to be confused with the cheaper LTD guitars. This is the Fender compared to Squier, the Gibson to the Epiphone (though without any of the QC problems that these two have been having lately).
Always come setup fantastic out of the box with low action and without a hint of fret buzz, never ever had to take these to a tech to be completely set up. Nuts are always cut well too, saddles are also notched very well.
Own one of these myself; purchased for $1400 second hand. Resale value on these things are pretty darn good, especially considering this one here is going for just over two hundred more than what I paid second hand.
Definitely won't be disappointed if you spend on a guitar like this. As they say - buy once, cry once.
Dammit. I saw $162.