Yeah, SX has the corner on low-priced, high-quality guitars! If I'm looking for anything, I usually check out Rondo first.
I purchased a second-hand 2002 Agile AL-2500 (old-style LP body, before the copyright enforcement, and would be more in line with the higher-end 3xxx series available today) with P90's, which puts to shame any Epiphone LP I've played, including the Elitist series. This was a total surprise to me, especially considering the fantastic build quality and amazing finish, on a well used axe, no less. The frets didn't need filing, the finish is perfect, and the P90's sound amazing. Seriously, if you put the Gibson logo on the headstock, most people would never know the difference. Granted, this model has a Gibson shape...
I wasn't a believer, though, until I ordered a new SX Nashville style Tele copy (STL62 SSS 2TS) for $109. IMHO, and I'm nobody, but this ridiculously inexpensive axe is far superior to anything Squier offers at any price range, as far as Tele's go. Sure, the pickups aren't great, but it's rare for me to keep low-end or budget guitars stock for long anyway. I usually rewire and install all new hardware. The tuners aren't terrible--there are much worse on much more expensive guitars. But at the same time, it's not as if the Squire pickups are fantastic!
I liked the Tele so much I ordered a SX SST LTD2 NAT (with sweet hard case for $199!!!), and it's the best feeling Strat-style guitar I've ever played, including my former MIM. It's also mind-blowing in looks--this thing is beautiful!!! My wife demanded to see my receipt because she thought there was no way I spent $221 (including shipping) on this WITH a fairly high quality case. Shoot--glue a Squier logo on it and it would sell for $500 or more at GC.
If you're especially discerning and picky (which, for the money...lol...come on), expect to spend significant time setting up virtually any SX you purchase, and upgrading, at a minimum, the tuners and pickups. However, out-of-the-box, all they really need is set up and new strings.
The fit and finish are superb and far beyond anything in the price point, and even well beyond. Both of my SX's are gorgeous and quite well made--if only Squier and, to a lesser extent, Epiphone had this level of quality control for anywhere near these prices, EVERYONE would play guitar!
I think the factory is in Korea, not China, FWIW, but Rondo is a US owned company.
Oh, as a side note, if you email Rondo about anything, you generally hear back within a few hours from the owner, not a support rep, and Kurt is a really nice guy who can answer all of your questions.
I can't recommend them highly enough for beginner-intermediate players, although I understand that the high-end SX and Agile series are simply untouchable for price:performance.
I can't speak from personal experience regarding the Douglas products, but they seem to hold their own as well. The Floyd Rose is licensed and is, from what I've been told and have read, fairly high quality.
Hope this helps. I'm a pretty (newly) rabid Rondo fan, and need to just block their website altogether and cut up my credit card...
