This reminds me of what I went through buying my last computer, I had a couple thousand to spend and got so mired down in specs that two years later I was still using my old Compaq with Win 95! I finally went out and just bought one and got on with life. Sames true for buying a guitar, your not marrying it, and your first one's not a lifetime investment. First decide who you like, what kind of guitar do they use?, does it have humbuckers or single coils?, the sound is totaly different, then go out and play some. I use Guitar World in my hometown cause it's the biggest, don't buy sight unseen because they're all different, I have played Fenders that wouldn't make good firewood, same for the other brands, and don't listen to people who degrade lower end models, I have two Squires and they outplay many Fenders I've owned same with the new Epiphones. Hell I even have a $90.00 Kay Star-ter single pickup that I still enjoy playing! Bottom line, relax play a few find one that feels good and sounds good buy it and learn to play! don't get caught up in name brand hype and remember, if you really like playing it's not going to be the only one you own, it's like a disease, I have fourteen now and can't resist thinking about another one! Which reminds me, where did I stash that old Dano?..hmmm