I have made the mistake of not giving a shredder a chance based on it's looks. It is capable of covering all the rock and blues I want and is a whole lot more comfortable for many guitars that come to mind for that genre. I am very happy that I did not sell my black LAG "shredder" (although the wife is not), which really can alive with the pups RobV gave me.
BUT, I would feel much better of you got a little cash on your end too. Not much, maybe $ 200, or a pedal at least.