Mad hatter...same here! I studied music between the ages of 8-15, didn't like it that much, although I became fairly accomplished at trumpet and french horn. I moved to fretless electric bass, yamaha electric piano, flamenco/classical guitar and electric. Now I'm writing my own stuff...kinda jazz fusion with some Brazilian/African sound and some country-western-bluegrass themes running underneath. So right now, I'm thankin' Momma S for shellin' out all those bucks to teach me music; it's a LOT easier composing and arranging if you can read the notes, transpose, and play even a little bit of piano.
Question is, I'm looking to buy an inexpensive yet flexible semi-hollow body guitar. I heard the Peavey JF-1 is a good choice, as well as Epiphone Studio Dot series. What's your opinion?