just a little thought here, i myself bought a moderate priced guitar (more than most starter guitars but less than the really really great ones) as a starter guitar. i bought a whatever amp, just something for sound. its kind of a safeguard as i think about it now, since i love playing it but if i ever lose the will to play my guitar; the greed kicks in and tells me i didn't spend $$$ just to not play it anymore.

just a thought.