Hutner

Other than very minor fret buzz after a lot of use, (which was easily fixed) this guitar is outstanding if your balling on a budget.

I found one of these in a neighbor's storage room. After laying in the sun for so long the bridge and nut snapped off. My dad and repaired it, and now it has being used for acoustic tracks I record. It is not the most solid in terms of neck shape, but it has a nice sound.

I learned to play on one of these, and it was great for that. I can't say it's very good for studio work, but it served its intended purpose well.

The Grestch Guitalele is a great guitar for when you're on the go. It's a cross between a guitar and a ukulele, (Plays like a guitar; Size of a ukulele.) which makes it ideal for street performing, or just adding an interesting layer to your sound in the studio. Its easy as all hell to play, and works in average tuning, if you're uncomfortable with the recommended higher tuning.

This bass is very easy to play and has great action. It plays like a higher tear jazz bass. I myself don't play bass, and have this simply to record at home, to show to my bassist later. I can see this being both a starter and backup bass, because it's just so great.