Thanks for that really thorough and thoughtful reply! Seems like great first guitar buying advice.

Sounds like the suggestion is to focus more on feel than on sound.

If an amp is more important at this point, what am I looking for in an amp? I was eyeing the Katana 50 mkii due to what appears to be great versatility and the ability to get a ton of different sounds and effects without a collection of pedals.

Thanks again.