If you're okay with floating pickups, at your budget, you should have no trouble finding a "vintage" Ibanez George Benson model. I have trouble calling something made after I was already gigging and had gone through 2 genres "vintage", but whatever
One made in Japan. Nice small. And you'd be staying with the whole Ibanez thing
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I would definitely make sure it's MIJ. The newer inexpenisive ones are still going to be decent quality, but why dip below your lawsuit LP in quality?
If the floating pickups bother you, Look at Godin and Eastman. Again, you'll be able to get an amazing guitar with your budget.