If you're after that classic Jazz Age tone and you're OK with the period-correct thick V-neck, get a Loar LH-600/LH-700...
If you're looking for a more modern-sounding, easier-playing option, Eastman is the way to go...
I've played a few MIJ non-cutaway Gretsch Synchro 400's that were excellent, and one that was truly amazing - shame they discontinued them in favor of the New Yorker...
The Epiphone Masterbilt line was neither fish nor fowl, and a total flop on the market...
On the domestic front there's talk of a reasonably-priced archtop line from Taylor, including a Gypsy guitar based on the -14ce template - should be interesting to see where they fall on the tonal spectrum...
I'll just wait a while to see if the long-rumored, all-carved New York-style Epis ever make it to production...