Balls On A Budget! Boss ME-80, Squier '51, Yerasov GTA-15.

ME-80 - http://www.rolandcorp.com.au/products...
2004 Squier '51 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squier_'51
Yerasov GTA-15 - http://www.yerasov.com/combo.htm

The Balls On A Budget! video shows three good value pieces of gear to get you through most situations. There are, of course, hundreds of alternatives but these are a few of the better choices I had around the studio.

The recently released BOSS ME-80 is exceptionally easy to use, has more sounds than you're likely to ever use and is inexpensive. Highly recommended.

The Fender/Squier '51 from the mid-2000's is one of my all-time favourite guitars. Just find one and be wary of the reissues as Fender are asking more money (surprise, surprise ...)

Yerasov's GTA-15 borrows heavily from the Pro Junior but adds top quality components like JJ tubes and the Jensen speaker. It sounds as good as any amp I have in possession and has won various awards. Again, highly recommended.

Todays tools:

Guitar: 2004 Squier '51 - stock
Amp: Yerasov GTA-15 - stock
Effects: Boss ME-80
Cables : Providence
Mic : Shure SM57 (amp) Samson Airline77 (me)
Camera : Canon 60D (me), Sony HDR CX150 and GoPro White (pedal)
Soundcard : AVID Mbox Pro 3
Computer : Apple iMac 27" i7 3.4 GHz 16 GB RAM
Software : Pro Tools 10 LE, Waves CLA Guitars (slight comp over input track), Waves L3-16 Limiter (to keep levels in check at output), Apple Final Cut Pro X (video editing and Youtube compression).