You really can't go wrong with guitars and basses from Rondo music. I have a bass from them (copy of a 62 custom Precision bass) and a solid cedar top classical guitar from them.

Aim for either the SX or Agile brand.

Regarding the amp/interface/etc. I'll second the Behringer V-Amp - but I recommend the Bass V-Amp, even for guitar players. It has both good guitar amp and bass guitar amp simulation.