As an entry level guitar I find this hard to beat. Epiphone makes a quality product for the price you pay. Is it the qality of Gibson, No. Is it a whole lot more affordable, Yes. If you're just starting out I think you'll be pleased. You can always trade up in the future. I still have my first old strat and use it to practice on and carry around with me. If it gets banged up I won't feel so bad as I would if I got one of my good one damaged. I do own an Epi Les Paul standard and I really like it. You can go online and find reviews on it.