I got the Viper for $500US (that included tax and case). Lower end ESP LTD's don't have EMG's in them, but if you would be willing to pay a little bit more (like I had to do), check out the 200 series of the EC and Viper, or even the Hybrid (it's a telecaster style guitar with Seymor-Duncans). These guitars don't dissappoint.
Try out an Ibanez 2005 DT200, AXS32, IC200, or maybe even a Mexican made Fender Tele (I would've gotten one over the Viper, but I'm saving for a US made one).
Good luck with the guitar hunt Jason.