Best Starter set for $350 CDN (MAX)

I am going to purchase an electric set very soon as my friend is going to buy a drumset so we can get something good started. I currently have a Fender Precision (Mexican) and a Northland acoustic. However, I am still trying to find the right electric guitar set. I'm going to stay away from actual value packs, because most of them have poor quality. I rather spend a bit more and put something together.

Some of the guitars I looked at include the Squier '51 ($139.99), ESP MH-50NT ($209.99); I want to stay away from guitars with tremelos.

As for amps, I've considered the Roland Cube 15 (because the Cube 30 is out of my price range), and some of the Behringer series that produce 30 watts. I don't know if anything under 15watts can be heard over the drummer. but a lot of high-end 30 watt amps are out of my price range.

I am trying to aim for a punk/rock band, so if you guys have good advice on starter sets (not necessarily beginner) and that is stage-worthy with exceptional recording, please drop a line!

Anyway, my budget is $350 CDN, I'm sure something can be done, just need some pro advice.

Thanks,
SnowRose

And ESP EC-50 ($209.99)

Well the guitar is a good choice, but your gonna have to hold out a bit more for the amp. If your playing punk or rock your gonna need an amp that gets you louder than the drummer playing the punk and rock, and everyone needs headroom. I would say, save up some more, maybe sell some gear that you never use, and buy an amp that will work for you. Try never to go for whatever will just get the job done, buy more, if you need it then GREAT, if not, then at least you know its there.

What kind of amps do you suggest?

Like the minimum wattage along with the brand and model.

You'll get more bang for your beaver-bucks (thats Canadian dollars for you non-Canuks) if you can find something used that's in good shape.

Check out everymusic store you can get to. Surf eBay, and check out the local newspapers. If you have buddies who know their stuff, bring 'em along with you when you check it out.

Yeah no doubt, but if I have about $150-200, is there a guitar out there that will give me the best bang for the buck or are they equally crappy/good?

marshal mg or line 6 spider 2 would be my amp prefferance iv play with a very loud drummer and 15 watts is more than enough to be heard over the top but would go with 30 for the headroom and potential for small gigs.
i think for a loud amp u want a big speaker so the bigger speaker the louder the amp is the general rule of thumb isnt it?

Generally speaking, the bigger the speaker, the louder it is compared to other amps the same wattage.

I am a bass player and I've already spent a lot of money on my set with a decent 100-watt Yorkville bass amp.

To save some time, should I buy a decent guitar and use the existing amp for now? I don't have a lot of cash and with $350 CDN, I don't think I can afford a decent amp that can be played over the drums with good quality.

Yorkville Bassamp XM100C

Your thoughts?

If you play guitar, play through a guitar amp. Definetly check out some use stores for "fender hot rod deluxe"...all the years they are made they are the same. Check out the Fender site for all the tech stuff.

I used to have one, just sold it about 2 months ago. I used it for 3 years for practicing and gigs and it had plenty of balls for both and I don't think I ever put it above 5. The only reason I sold it is because I was really beating it up, so I just bought the bigger version of it!

Personaly I like the ESP's. You can usually find them on sale and get the next model up from what you think you can afford. They also have a good tone and feel.

I was speaking with a buddy of mine the other day about using a bass amp for the guitar and a few of his friends that play for a living actually use a bass amp.

I would use the bass amp for now since you already have it. I to am a bassist and I just use the gear for my bass. For my practice amp and the one I use when I go to a friends place is a Fender Bassman100 and it sounds just fine playing the guitar though it and I could easily play over a drummer with it. If you need more tone adjustments you can always look for a used POD, V-Amp or ME-50 or something along those lines.

Just my 2¢

MSF

Yeah, I think I am going to do that.

But boy, do those ESP's cost a lot in Vancouver. I've looked at both of these guitars (Squier '51 Tele and ESP EC-50) and the price gap is huge- for someone who can only spend $300 that is.

ESP EC-50: $287.99

Squier '51 Tele: $199.99

Would the quality for ESP be better though? If so, then I rather spend a bit more than having to go back to the store and get a nother one which will cost even more.