I just bought a similar model last year after my third glass one breaking in 5 years. Not near as attractive as the glass units but does seem very bifl friendly.

I would take lessons if I were you. You clearly have something to offer, it would help your confidence and at any rate lessons will help you improve. Don't trust randoms. They may have no ear for sound, just be ignorant or actively trying to crush your dreams for whatever reason. Having lessons won't mean you have to change how you sing in your band anyway, so I wouldn't worry about that. Go do the thing.