I've been thinking of starting up guitar lessons locally, I have a pretty good shop that I can take lessons from...however when I went there I felt as if they were throwing sales pitches at me to buy a REALLY expensive guitar, amp, etc.

I know that we have a few musicians here at BP.net, and I'd like to hear/see some opinions of good moderate level guitars and amps. I basically want to be able to play a bit of metal, punk, and old school rock....so any suggestions for a good guitar for a semi-newb? I have a decent acoustic, its just not my favorite to try and play.

Any advice, links, etc. is much appreciated!

-Jason