If you're on a budget, go for either SX or Yamaha Pacifica strats. Probably around the RM500 mark, but they are good......
Humbuckers are a must if you're playing punk..... but don't quote me on that.
Also, you'll need a fairly powerful or dirty amp to play punk songs.......

We ARE talking about Ramones, Sex Pistols style Punk rock and not the crappy Blink 1-8-suck right?

Well, these days, alot of punk rockers find that the Gibson Les Paul Special seems to be the weapon of choice. You can find the Epiphone version, but won't recommend that. The pickups just plain sucks...... something to keep in mind.

But for the price of a Squire, I would rather get a Yamaha Pacifica and put the left over cash in lets say a Vox AD30vt.....

I wasn't talking about the LP classic...... I'm talking about either the LP Special OR junior.

Heck, even the LP-100's Open-coil humbuckers suck....

This is no "best" string..... what kind of player is he? And is this for an Acoustic or an Electric? There are so many variables.... too many to list down.

Back to the guitar pickups..... would suggest something Bright for the Les Paul special.... maybe Seymour live wires or something like that.

This post has been edited by blacktrix: Nov 13 2006, 10:57 PM

If he's a music student, then he should know what string HE likes. Again, strings are very subjective to the playing style and user's preference.

Case in point, my GHS Zakk Wylde Boomers. To me, I find this the best string for my guitar because the thickness adds to the tone. But some people finds the string too thick and actually hinders their playing.

I think if it's a semi-acoustic. I assume it's an acoustic with a pickup.....
For me, I would recommend Ernie Ball's acoustic slinky. Some people dislike the Slinkies, but I find 'em great for beginners because of it's "slinkiness"

Would recommend the Les Paul Special II and then save up cash for some P-90 pickups like Gizmoduck suggested.......

Or if you already have a cash..... go for a Gibson Les Paul Junior.... yes. GIBSON..... It's about 750USD.......... half the price of a full on Les Paul Standard.

Again.... this is just MY suggestion......
You can get ESP and D'Daddario strings from The Guitar Collection in Midvalley (the one above GSC). dunno if they would change your strings...... if they do, I think they will have to charge you.

Ernie Ball slinkies can be bought from either that music shop in The Curve (top floor, near the pet shop) or Bentleys which is downtown, opposite KL plaza...... again..... don't know if they change the strings (they should), but they would take time to change them, so you might have to leave your guitar there then.

Again, prices could range from RM20 right up to RM40 depending on the brand... and about re-stringing...... MOST shops should be able to do it for you..... just leave it there, buy the strings, take a walk around the complex then come back and collect it.

EDIT: Are you changing just ONE string???? If you are, I think it's best if you buy a whole set and change them all..... your BF will find out anyway if he's a decent guitarist.
Waaaaaah. so lucky.... GF also change his guitar strings.......

This post has been edited by blacktrix: Nov 14 2006, 11:10 PM

Awsome choice man! Congrats on your punk-rocking!