Jimi Hendrix, Deep Purple and Pain of Salvation are some of my favorites too!

I have only bought one new guitar in my life, the rest have been used ones actually. That way you can get much more for your $600. Don't worry about scratches and stuff, that's just part of rock! And if you want to sell it later, you can get most of your money back.

The first guitar I bought was a used black Fender Stratocaster (because Jimi Hendrix had one just like it :)), made in Japan. I still play it often and it's a really good guitar. I don't think it was more than $6-700, as it had been used for some years.

Generally, the best quality Fender Stratocasters are made in the US and Japan. The ones that are made in Mexico and Korea vary in quality...

I would say, find a used one that you like the looks of and feels good, and you'll get more quality for less cash.