I would recommend practically any Ibanez guitar in the sub $300 range, but I would highly recommend the Dean Vendetta (I think it's called) for about $79. It looks cooler and sounds better than one of those cheap Squire's. It's a strat shape, but without that goofy looking pick guard, and at this price, you'll know if you really want to buy a more expensive guitar later down the road. Yamaha also makes good, attractive, inexpensive guitars.