My 2021 Gibson Les Paul 50's Standard (built July 17, 2021 according to
@Don O) really has kind of ruined other guitars for me.
And I really don't "love" Les Paul's, but a "good" performance guitar really grows on me.
The fit and finish is so impeccable (on my Gibson) that I can immediately find issues with even the higher end imports right up to the USA models.
The Gibson stays in perfect tune no matter what I do and I now have 84 days on the original strings.
So, TBTH, I just can't seem to find this level of quality in other guitars from other makers...not even PRS. In fact, I've probably seen more corners cut on USA made PRS's than any other guitar line, which is kinda disappointing, but when human hands are involved, variations will be present.
Sure, I could trick-out a "decent guitar" with hand finished fret ends, leveling and crowning, but to be able to open a box and just have all that done for you right from the factory - on this level - I'm just not seeing it on other maker's instruments...and it would really be foolish to expect that level of detail in a lower priced instrument.
I do understand that I'm a super-small contingent of guitar buyers where every small detail has to be near perfect and I am not swayed by fads and the purchases of my uber-wealthy colleagues.
Now, my scrutiny is really extreme. If a fret doesn't feel slick as the string slides across it, that's a deal breaker for me. Fret profile is everything and I can even feel the flat/low spots from hammer blows.
I don't want to see finish anomalies where the binding meets the neck/body or in even obscure areas of the instrument where it doesn't affect playing.
First fret action height must be .022" to .025" and maintain fretboard radius. Lower than this spec makes it hard to "grab" strings at the first fret, which is needed if you play the intro to "Already Gone" and "Interstate Love Song."
I would say that the only guitar I have seen recently that is on-par with my Les Paul is the USA Yngwie Stratocaster, which, quite honestly makes sense. It's a USA model with a premium pricetag to match.
I wouldn't consider buying a non-USA made anything at this point. Period.
Fender USA makes an excellent quality product. It's the real deal and a lot of the equipment is left over from the old factory, so there's some real history there.
FWIW.