Re: Best quality guitar in the 500-1000$ range
Godin LG Signature. Duncan Custom Custom and Jazz pickups stock. 5 way selector for coils splitting. Schaller bridge and locking tuners. Mahogony boady and neck with a flame maple top. That would be my vote, even thought it appears as though your decision is made.
The Godin Freeway Classic goes for about $400 new in the US. $500 for the maple top version. I have one though and am switching out the pickups and putting in locking tuners as well. So it will end up costing closer to $650 when I'm done with it. If you wanted a strat style guitar with H-S-H that's what I would get.