My parents have finally decided to let me get a guitar, kind of like a going away to college present/birthday present thing. Unfortunately, i know close to nothing about guitars and amps. Ive done a little bit of talking to guitarist friends and online searching, but im still not sure what i want to get. Right now, im thinking of getting a Standard Fender Stratocaster. I can get it for $350 at some online stores, free shipping. For an amp, i have no clue what to get, but i hope to get something within $150. Im not going to be in a band or anything, i just want to play on my own for my own enjoyment. however, i dont want to get a crappy guitar that ill replace in a year or two; i want one that ill stick to for a while. Stuff i want to play include Opeth-esque riffs/solos, In flames instrumentals, and Spastic Ink style pieces. I know itll take me a while before i ever get that good, but hey its something to aim for. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! thanks