My dad has been playing acoustic guitar since 1983. The guitar he has been playing since then is a limited edition 6 strings Alvarez and its a nice guitar. Anyway, my dads playing abilities are about average. He plays in his bedroom about 3 to 4 times a week along to typical classic rock: Boston, Kansas, Rainbow and The Beatles, and from time-to-time hell play some Opeth or In Flames acoustic pieces. For a few years now, he has been very close to purchasing an electric guitar and Im pretty sure hell be purchasing one for this Christmas. He seems to have his mind set on these things: A Fender Stratocaster, along with a Peavey, Marshall or Fender amp. He said hes willing to spend up to $1500 for all the guitar stuff. So my questions go out to all of you guitar players: What would be the best guitar for my dad to purchase considering how often he plays and what type of music he plays along too? Hes a really big Fender fan. Also, what type of amp would you recommend? I told him Marshall. Any help you guys can give me for him to make his decision would be greatly appreciated. Thanks