When a man reaches certain age, he needs a psychological extension of his penis, be it an expensive sport car, a racing or custom motorcycle, or something similar. I'm a cheapskate so I'm going for a guitar.

The problem here is... I don't know a thing about guitars. But it's my dream so don't you dare saying I'm retarded (I know already).

So, some friends recommend me buying a decent guitar and a pod:
http://www.thomann.de/gb/esp_ltd_v_300_black.htm
http://www.thomann.de/gb/line6_pocket_pod.htm

Another one recommend me buying a cheap guitar and a decent USB link, and if I like it upgrade the guitar later:
http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_fv430bk.htm
http://www.thomann.de/gb/line6_pod_studio_ux2.htm

What do you think about it? What's best to start from absolute zero?

Also, in an unrelated note, my wife is buying a violin. No, she has no idea of playing violin also. Yes, we're weirdos.

Why not go for something else than Guitar?

I assume you have somehow played guitar before? It is somewhat risky to just dive head in without at least some idea about what you are getting into.

Anyhow, I would suggest getting a better guitar than a cheap one, but that's just me. And by the way, as far as I understand it, the V-shaped guitars look cool, but probably do not work so well acoustically by itself. So this means you definitely need to invest in nice effects (e.g. the all-in-one line6 boxes you listed - I personally prefer individual effects).

On the other hand, make sure you get a guitar with good pick-ups (especially if you insist on V-shaped ones). They are those sensors that pick-up the string vibrations and turn them into signals. These are fairly easy and inexpensive to replace with nice ones, if the guitar does not already come with a good one. What kind of pick-up to get also depends on the kind of sound you are looking for, though.

And perhaps more importantly, what's going to be your amplifier+speaker setup? Even with a great guitar and effects, you'll need proper amps to actually produce the sound.

Don't know... why not? I like the thing, I like the sound... And when I was a teenager I dreamed of being a famous guitarist (as every other metal addicted teenager).

I need a hobby or I'm going to start killing users. Gaming doesn't fill me lately so I need to try other options, and music could be it.

I just love Flying V :-)

/e: What a great choice for a hobby! I started myself playing last year and I bought Epiphone Les Paul Standard and Fender Mustang I as an amp. I highly recommend them - great stuff for a low price :-)

I have a classical guitar, but I have no formation whatsoever in music.

And as far as I know, with a USB link, the software emulates the amp. At least that's what they told me.

I was just going to suggest Flying V. :-) I myself would still rather play a Fender... never could afford my dream Gibson guitar anyways.

White guitar is a very good instrument it seems like you want to start playing it because "you want to have something to do"

Before trying to learn to play an instrument, decide for yourself what it is you actually want to play instead of just going whatever is "popular"

I play Saxophone for example and I love it :)

Good point - this should be enough for a while until you get dissatisfied. Also in that case, perhaps go for the cheaper guitar and replace the pick-up when you feel like it? Less upfront investment that way.

Another thing, both of these guitars you linked don't seem to have tremolo. This might prevent you from playing certain pieces and/or styles.

why not get a cheap amp? The sound you'll get depends on how fancy your PC speakers are, so if you don't have some insane fancy sound system on your pc it won't matter how expensive or fancy your guitar is because it will sound all sound the same. I think those usb things are mainly for recording stuff on your pc. If you don't get a nice direct sound out of your guitar chances are you'll be unhappy with the sound and give it up eventually.
I would give the fender mustang amp another vote.
A good expensive guitar in a crappy amp sounds like ass while a cheap guitar in an ok amp sounds wonderful.

Flying V! Flying V! Flying V!

It's all about the look you see. Get tiger stripes or flames!!!! or both! You'll need a spandex jumpsuit to go with it if you wanna be any good.

Depends who you want to be like. When I was a kid I worshiped Hendrix. I walked into a music store with a picture of him from Monterey and said "Give me that!"

They said, "Which one? The guitar was torched a few minutes after that picture was taken and the man who set fire to it died a few years after that."

I said, "Fuck you."

A short time later I was hooked up with a Sunburst Fender Stratocaster, rosewood fret board, mother of toilet seat inlays. Named her Tammy and I still play her every day.

I paid $1800. My advice, rent something to make sure you actually want to play first. There is A LOT of dull boring monotonous practice to be had from guitar before you can actually have any fun. Takes hours and hours just to get the callouses you need and the finger strength to play an F. If this isn't your thing find out before paying $1800.

This isn't a real guitar stuff, but if you want to try guitars without actually investing in one and you own a DS... you can look into Jam Sessions.

Here's a bunch of Japanese folks who know how to rock a bit of a tune with it.

[url=http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/mpd/permalink/986:985]http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/mpd/permalink/986:985[/url]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJm6xu1QGsU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAqX--OoFO8

See if you actually like what you're doing. And if you do, then go right ahead and get an axe.

Brother, get some drums dude. Nothings more fun then being the commanding, loud bastard at the back who's controlling everything! :D

If you want something more versatile than an ordinary guitar, and you have the funds for it, you could look into the Kitara from Misa Digital. They're out of stock at the moment, but I expect they'll get more soon.

Basically, it is to a guitar what a synthesizer is to a piano.