I must agree with evryone else, a usedd guitar is probably the best option around. But, if you are absolutely set on one of the guitars you mentioned, I would go with the Washburn...Epiphone specials are all bad, as are BC Rich Bronze series...is that the Washburn with the flamed maple top? I think it is...the wi24 is much the same with a thicker body and solid finnish in black or grey...I would go for the wi25...but only if you are not willing to look into second hand gear.