Go with a fender mexican standard or epiphone les paul, i find yamaha to be cheaper then fender and they also sound alright. Of course it wont take you long to want new pick ups. Ive change my pick ups on both guitars to fender texas special and seymour duncons alnico II. As for an amp, go strait to tube. Dont screw around with solid state. Tube can be expensive though and if money is a problem then solid state is a viable option. The best thing to do is to go to the store and try before you buy, and i know youll find the right amp and guitar you like.