I have an AXL Guitar that I got at a yardsale. It's actually pretty decent. LEnt it to a friend, and he plays the CRAP out of it, and he has a nice Jackson V and also a nice GOdin Redline that I also lent him, and he really digs the AXL.
The shop where I take lessons sells AXL guitars and bases, one of the salespeople there, that I talk to, said he was pretty pleased with the AXL brand for value at that pricepoint, and said they play pretty well.
My AXL: