[Helm]

I'm in the process of buying a Gibson Les Paul so amps and effects searching have taken a back seat, although I do plan to get another multipedal some time soon.

As to getting in a band: How good are your compositional skills? If you at least like your music, and have some sort of vision (doesn't have to be groundbreaking, but there should be an outmost goal), you should be starting your own band. If you just want to play other people's music, my advice is: don't bother. I've been in my current main band for 2 years now, and it's an investment in time and effort and rehersal money that you should be very serious about making if you at least want to like what you're making. I'm not talking about making albums and all that jazz, I'm talking simply about leaving the rehersal studio after a session, and getting the buzz of accomplishment. Either go all-out, or do not go at all.

Also, sing and play at the same time. It's all the rage :P