Oh, I didn't really catch on to what time of music he was gonna be playing. EMG pickups would be brighter and better for heavier tones. The Duncans sound good and I think they have a coil tap if I remember correctly.
You can get some cool semi-hollow bodies that would sound cool. Epi guitars can be good for the money if you get a good one. Gretch's sound really cool IMO and I think they have a really classic look.
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/e...RWXGG&ZYXSEM=0