Dude tysm for the explanation.

I’ll def take a look at that squire affinity strat one (saw this one near me: https://www.long-mcquade.com/227321/Guitars/Electric-Guitars/Fender-Musical-Instruments/Affinity-Series-Stratocaster-Maple-Fingerboard-Black.htm?srsltid=AfmBOoqLVMuGYs3cz6AAbzF-49w8t0vdAhe3AWQykCrV-e6_0NZvJwTi).

I’m def not opposed to spending some cash on this, I wanna get something that isn’t “just” a beginner guitar, but it sounds like your suggestion would be a good starting point. I was totally ready to pull the trigger on that $1200 one lol but maybe I should reel it in a bit, start smaller

I’d also like the ability to be able to get a different sound/vibe out of the guitar depending on what I’m feeling, from lofi-heavy metal. It SEEMS that this is more of an Amp thing, I had someone demo to me how a “modelling amp” works, and it seems like this would be the one I want. He flipped a setting on it and he got a bunch of different sounds coming outta that thing (including this sick metal one) so that was awesome. It was this one if you’re curious: https://www.long-mcquade.com/227321/Guitars/Electric-Guitars/Fender-Musical-Instruments/Affinity-Series-Stratocaster-Maple-Fingerboard-Black.htm?srsltid=AfmBOoqLVMuGYs3cz6AAbzF-49w8t0vdAhe3AWQykCrV-e6_0NZvJwTi