go for an Epiphone, spend your $300 on a good epi model, maybe a set neck les paul standard, why do you want a 1961 instrument? if you get a new epiphone it will come with a great setup and ready to use, get yourself a small 15watt marshall practice amp and start learning, if you dont know what you are looking for then its best to steer clear of vintage instruments, just because its old and has gibson on the headtock doesnt make it a great instrument.