I'm buying a guitar

Go Ibanez Seriously. If you're going electric you'll love the tonality and string action
http://www.ibanez.com/

I own an Ibanez and it's like owning a Toyota. Cream of the crop.

For an amp check out Crate http://www.crateamps.com/

I think it depends on wether you're looking to learn to play some songs or learn/understand music. If you just want to memorize a couple of songs, just as they are in studio recordings, go electric. If you want to develop an understanding of music, however, go acoustic.

As for acoustic brands, I suggest Takamine or Taylor. In fact, I wouldn't recommend anything else.

If you decide to go electric, I agree with ATNO that Ibanez makes a decent product. However, if you're budget can withstand it, a Hamer is a really high quality intrument. Or, depending on what sound you're looking for, a good ol' Fender Strat or Telecaster are good bets, too.

Regardless of what you get, you'll want to have a qualified tech setup the action (distance between strings and fretboard) from the factory standards. You should have that done before you even take it home, IMO.

I concur with dM.

And as far as acoustics go, I prefer Martin.

Brands aside, a general rule of thumb is that if it is heavy, it is good. That means it is probably made out of a good hardwood which is what you want.

I've got a Schecter Diamond series Omen 5 bass guitar with an ampeg B3150 combo-style amplifier\speaker package.

As others have said, it really depends on what you want to do with it and what kind of music you want to play. For example, if you go electric Ibanez is good for metal, but Fender might be better for basic rock.

Really, though, it's up to you. The most important thing is to get something that you are going to want to pick up and play often enough to get good at it.

Not to mention my all time fave. Gibson Les Paul Custom

Now that's a good looking guitar ATNO/TW!

That one looks like it was made for a "lefty" but I've had my hands on one of those bad boys and let me tell you it was the sweetest sound I've ever heard. Felt like stroking baby's skin. And that is pearl inlay too!

i would love to hear Joebert's recommendation