I don't see why its a must to spend at least $400 on a starter pack on a kid that might not want to stick with guitar. When my brother got a starter pack back when I was in 9th grade (now in 12th), the kit only cost about $200. When I picked it up and started messing with it (cause he never did) It felt like a fine guitar. I didn't know there was a difference between this guitar and the guitar Hendrix played other than color. With the crap amp it sounded fine to me. I geuss since we know the difference we assume they would know, but they don't so imo, get something in the 200 range and the kid will be happy, and so will you since youy saved monies.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Guitar/Electric?sku=519658

Check that out, I know Nathan and bigbuda reccomened it, I third it.