I would try a Michael Kelly guitar. I have one I got for 350 new. Look at the company website to get history (petty interesting). Better made than a lot of the big names offering same price range. Great pickups and a lot have coil tapping capabilities. You would then have enough left over to get a Blacheart or Vox ACTV 4 tube amp. Remember tubes are much louder than ss amps so don't think low wattage means not very loud. Music 123 has 20 percent off right now and lots of places match prices so good luck and let us know what you decide on.