Very good post. One thing I always keep in mind....You can always buy inexpensive and upgrade as you grow. Predominately in the electric world althoguth I have had a new bridge and nut put on a few acoustics over the years. Though you cannot change the wood as easily.

I have met many amazing guitarists who still jam with some real junkers that have been tweaked over the years.

This is obviously mainly in the electric arena. Personally I would never recommend acoustic for a beginner primarily because I was forced to play one when I first started.

That said, as you improve you will find different things you like etc...I am just getting to this stage myself. I know generally what pickups I like, how I like my action set and what type of nut I like to have. Also, a crappy Ibanez with a set of grover tuners and a pickup replacement makes for a sweet axe.

I have two low end Ibanez electrics and love them both. 7/10 times I pick up one of my ibanez's over my American Strat. I just like the necks they put on the ibanez low end models.

Bottom line, dont let a salesmen sell you a guitar in a shop. Play them all. Find what you like best in your price range and buy it. If you have problems with it post here....the knowledge here is insane. These guys will help you tweak it into a super axe.

Anyhow, just the rantings of 24 years of beginners experiance. One day I hope to grow up and be an intermediate player.....maybe when I have played for 50 years that will happen.