Price range is approximately 1,000 USD. I need a v shaped guitar due to a back issue preference and a good Floyd Rose is critical. Thanks in advance.

USA made Jacksons and Schecters mostly use OFR bridges and can be gotten for less than a grand, just look for the V shapes.

Yeah, I was going to recommend Jackson as well. For the same reasons. Though the new Jacksons in that price range have Korean made OFR's. I don't know how these compare to German made ones?

Don't know the quality of recent BC Riches but the BC Rich NJ JRV also has a Original Floyd Rose in this price range.

I hear both good things about the NJ series and some other complaints that the workmanship and QC leaves something to be desired.

As long as its an OFR it should be fine. My bandmates RRV with a licensed one also works fine with proper maintenance. But it will rust to hell if you don't regularly maintain it, which is one of the biggest differences.

I've been checking out some Jackson's and they so far seem the best choice. Many come standard with a 1000 series Floyd Rose. I don't know much about the 1000 series. Also, do the Jackson fretboards stand out as having better playability?

A few I've considered:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/ ... tar?pfm=sp

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Jackson-KVM ... 2638760.gc

DBZ:
http://www.amazon.com/DBZ-Guitars-LLC-V ... 468WPFKZZD

BC Rich:
http://www.guitarcenter.com/B-C--Rich-N ... 1400667.gc

Schecter:
http://www.schecterguitars.com/vault/li ... -fr-detail

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/ ... ric-guitar

Look into buying a used guitar, because in that price range there are some really incredible guitars that will fit your needs. In that range, you can find some 80s American BC Rich and Jackson guitars. Consider Warlocks too, as they fulfill the same need by having a back cutout to rest on your leg.

Really, when you're making a serious investment in a guitar like this, a quality used instrument is in another league than new guitars by far, especially when what you're looking for is fairly common.

Jackson fretboards are alright, the necks are the unique feature. Flat and wide, takes some getting used to but very ergonomic for sure.

That DBZ seems cool also, but you might be able to find a cheaper one if you forgo the 81/85 set (don't know if they offer anything else though).

To be honest, I'm a bit wary of buying a used tremolo rig thinking it could be hard to tell how hammered it may be.

I own a BC rich jrvo deluxe with an ofr and ebony fretboard. Its great, if you like emg pickups. For that price the Jackson pro models are a great choice as well. As long as your getting at least a Floyd rose 1000 and an ebony fretboard for that price its up to you. Play a few of those and find the neck you like.