[thunderman]

It is a MIA Highway 1 Strat, color is wine transparent.

The local guitar store had this for over a year so he cut it loose for $529. The color is awesome, not exactly what I wanted, but I can't pass up the $500 price!

What do I need to do to start my modifications? It comes with Alnico III pickups.

I have a VOX VT-30 Valvetronix amp with no pedals to speak of.

I will post pics of the guitar when I pick her up, I just have a down payment on it now and will make a few payments to aquire it (teaching my 3 kids the importance of saving for things you want).

[jefkahn]

That guitar is a great start. Congrats!

[JonnyBoy]

Here you go!!! hang on tight and always watch your wallet on the long strange trip of searching for the sound!! Great choice and the red reminds me of David Gilmore in the '80's.

[jefkahn]

Great choice and the red reminds me of David Gilmore in the '80's.

And Mark Knopfler.

[Griz]

Great start, like everybody said....

You also have a great amp to start with....I use mine for low volume rehearsals.

You can get all kinds of tones out of it...I use the Tweed 4x10 model most often, and it gets a decent clean Fender tone as long as the gain isnt past half

I have not really seen anyone here mention the on-board auto-wah - It is the easiest MuTron clone sound to dial in anywhere I have found, without spending $$ on a piece of vintage gear.

Your'e on your way.

Griz

[Samson]

Great choice... a "real" guitar... I think if you went with something that was constructed from crappy materials it would have felt like a toy after 6 months and you woulda been ready to upgrade. Can't wait for some pics...