[Cajundaddy]

+1 on D'Addario .011s for a student. Nice light strings let em develop calluses and finger strength gradually over time.

Sheesh! You guys are still pushing around 100w half stacks to gigs and practice sessions??? I guess it does depend on the music you play and the image required but I need about... 20 tube watts in a nice 1x12 Mesa to run with a loud drummer. I use the same rig for most gigs but I rarely play to crowds of more than 3000.