is a Fender Telecaster (Custom Shop), the other is a Gibson Les Paul Standard. I LOVE them both, but they are both very expensive. If you are a beginner, I suggest getting a good used Fender Strat or Telecaster. Used you can pick one up for around $700, sometimes less. The one thing I would highly recommend is to get a decent guitar, even if your first. It won’t be a waste of money because if you end up not liking playing, you can sell it and break even. For example, if you do pick up a Fender Tele or Strat, only buy a USA made, not China or Mexico. They all can lose value, but the Mexican and Chinese Fenders lose way more value much quicker, and are made more poorly.

I appreciate what Mr. Clemens has to say, but my take is a little different. IMO, a beginning electric guitar need not be very expensive. It’s true that a cheaper model won’t have a great deal of resale value, but more expensive guitars, also, can be difficult to sell for what they’re “supposed to be worth”. If you have a friend who plays and who can go with you, check out the used equipment ads in your local paper or Craig’s list. Or get a new Mexican Strat. If you stick with it, you’ll eventually know what kind of feel and sound you want in your axe, and you’ll be ready to lay out a bit more dough. Just my 2 cents.

I’ve got a friend who’s got a Gibson (not sure what it is exactly) that he’s willing to sell me for a couple hundred, so I’ll probably go with that. It’s not cheap, and it’s not too expensive….so I guess I’m kinda’ gonna’ be somewhere in between you guys’ opinions.

Muchas gracias for the advice.