Forty years ago, I paid 600 Euro for a bicentennial T-bird. Never liked it. Sold it. Got hold of an Epiphone Embassy -64, for 1 200 Euro. Liked it! Bought another one, just in case..., also from the 60's, much cheaper. Gave it to my bass playing son, together with a Fender P 65. He's satisfied. I'm satisfied. Everyone's happy. Son's got a modern Epiphone Embassy, too. He likes it a lot. So: What to do? Get hold of a 60's Tbird. That's what I would do if I were in your clothes. Go cat, go!