How much do you spend on a guitar? As much as you can afford – and a little more if you can. Just make sure it is really want you want and desire. Value for money is important – but there is also passion. You need to love the thing. The most important factor as far as I am concerned is a low action that doesn’t buzz on the frets. I play a National Resolectric – but I play it acoustic. Unconventional I know – but it suits me. An acoustic with an electric neck is a fine thing for beginner. There was a fashion for them once – but I don’t know whether they are still easily available. Maybe someone out there knows about this?