Originally posted by hendrix_jimi
Here are some questions for you: What is your budget? How old are you? How long have you been into "punk" music [sarcastic remark again removed]? Do you plan on taking lessons, or how will you learn guitar?

Sorry to repeat myself, but I'm still wondering what the answers are to the above questions. Even if you have plenty of dough, you don't want to go wasting it. Here's an idea: Why not try renting a guitar and an amp for a little while? My local guitar shop will rent you a guitar and then if you want to buy, they'll apply up to three months worth of rent towards the purchase of the new (or used) guitar. That way, you'll find out whether you even want to play guitar or not.

Also, if I was still a beginner (and into "punk" music) I wouldn't be too worried about the high notes. I don't really remember the last time I heard anything above the twelfth fret in "punk" music.

Finally, it seems that your opinions on the various guitars are shaped primarily by what other people's opinions are (e.g. famous guitarists, people on this forum, other people on the 'net). Are you sure that you can tell the difference between a Gibson Marauder and a Squier Strat set to the right settings?