I started off with a fender mexican strat and a cheap Ibanez amp (which i have since thrown off my roof for fun, damn POS). Cost me about $400 total, not a bad deal and it got me started. Of course i'm still not good, but i love playing guitar anyway. If you ever venture into the world of electrics i'd recommend getting a used epiphone dot. You can't beat that guitar for price/quailty. I plan on getting a casino when i have the money.