I'd have to agree with Maeg and 01010 about the Pacifica 112. Although, because it's so highly rated, you can sometimes find higher-spec Pacificas for less money! I saw a top-end Pacifica (I think it was the 912) for £20 less than the 112 in one shop. Look around, and I'm, sure you'll find something you like. I personally went straight for an Epi SG - it just felt so much better than all the strat-a-likes that seem to dominate the budget ranges. I'm saving up now, and I'm torn between a PRS Santana SE2, a full-on Gibson (SG or Explorer or Voodoo Les Paul) or a Peavey Wolfgang (my teacher's got one and it's sweeeet

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One thing I would say though - get a decent amp. A £2000 Lesbo will sound bloody awful if you put it through an el-cheapo amplifier. I'd recommend the Marshall MG series to start with. They're cheapish, and they sound pretty good. Then upgrade to a DSL when you have the cash

kasperl: an
acoustic bass? They're not gonna be cheap. I can't say I've ever seen a budget/mid range one of those...