You'll have to define "best" here. People ask about brand names all the times and I always answer that what I like and is right for me may not be right for you. It all comes down to what your style is, what you like and what you are comfortable with. The best way to choose an instrument is to go to a music store and try them out with an amp. Hear what they sound like, check the instrument for a good set up, make sure there are no dead spots anywhere on the neck and see if its a good fit for your body type and hands and make sure you can play it. Also, it should stay in tune. Looks of course should be important too. Make sure you like the finish on it since you'll be playing it a lot after you buy it. Also, I wouldn't worry so much about brand names and models. Who knows, you might just find some little Korean made off brand you've never heard of but it may be the best instrument you've ever heard.