I've been into this hobby for over 10 years and the best advice I can give a beginner is: don't overthink it. Start with something affordable, learn the basics, and then upgrade once you know what you actually want and need.

Don't be afraid to buy used. eBay and Half.com have tons of stuff for a fraction of retail. Pawn shops too. I've gotten some of my favorite stuff secondhand. As long as it works, who cares if it's not brand new in the box?

Personal preference plays a huge role here so take my recommendation with a grain of salt. What I love, you might hate. But based on what you described, I think you'd really enjoy what I'm about to suggest.

Check out dedicated forums and message boards for this topic. The communities are usually very welcoming to newcomers and can give much more detailed advice than a general Q&A site. Plus they have buyer's guides and FAQ sections.

Don't spend a lot of money right away. The industry changes constantly and what's considered the best today will be outdated in a year or two. Start with a mid-range option and you'll be happy.

Whatever you pick, the most important thing is that you actually enjoy it. There's no point owning the 'best' gear if you never use it. I've seen people get so caught up in specs that they forget to have fun with the hobby.

Mainstream isn't always best. Some of my favorite stuff never got famous. Dig past the top 40 and the big releases — the underground and indie scene has hidden gems that the casual fan never finds. That's half the fun.