I think the Bands you like will let you know what to buy. IF you are a Clasic Rock fan you need a Les Paul and a Marshell. SRV and Hendrix will land you a strat. Metalica fans will go after EMG and a Floyd Rose. Country twang is full on Telcaster. SoI like to check out my Fav. Guitar slinger and base me rig and guitar off of what I like to hear and more than likely want to play. As for the price range look for something Loved and play it!