I bought a new Mexican Fender Stratocaster a few years ago. I believe they are about 400.00 now. I love it still, and I'm sure there are many better guitars out there (as far as tone, etc.), but to learn or re-learn the fundamentals, I don't see how it could be beat. I also see no reason why it couldn't be played live or while recording. However, personally I don't think you can beat an acoustic to get your fingers back into shape. Plus that unplugged sound...