I have a band and we're now playing big proper gigs so I need some help. I started out as a drummer, but taught myself to play guitar on an acoustic, and started a band where I was the singer and 2nd guitarist. I only got my first electric a week before our first gig and have been borrowing amps / pedals etc since then off other people.

So basically I have no idea about the technological side of guitar (I just write songs and play them) but I know a lot of people do, so if anyone could help me out here...

I'm looking to get an amp and a couple of pedals aiming to get a crunchy alt-grunge style guitar tone like that of Stephen Malkmus - think Silence Kit off Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain, or Kurt Cobain - just anything by Nirvana. I don't have a big budget but all suggestions are welcome.

I have thus far been using other people's amps (various) and an Ibanez DS7 distortion, which to be quite honest is cack. I went to a guitar shop and tried a load out but obviously I couldnt whack it up really high and couldnt really tell which would be good at a high volume. I play the latest model Fender Mustang which is pretty trebley.

If you want to have a listen to see what we sound like go here www.myspace.com/4or5magicians

Thanks!