Originally Posted by: FSTechIMO, this comes down to money spent and the name you want on your headstock. I looked at this a while back, and yes Gibson may give you better quality parts but in the long run it is going to be what makes you happy. Find a guitar that you want to pick up and ignore the name brand.
Case in point, google "cardboard strat"
Here's the link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Oo2H-W7d6A
If a cardboard strat can impress people....there with todays tech just about any guitar will be playable, enjoyable, and put smiles on peoples faces.
I had a Lyon by Washburn strat.....cheap as could be, but stayed in tune and played anything I wanted...ended up selling it to a friend because her son was getting into guitar. I kinda wish I still had it
Above is probably the best advice. [br][br]
I was flirting with a similar dellima regarding Epiphone and Gibson but after some hand wringing and trying them out I ultimately chose a single cut PRS. That was the best choice for me but the point is start down the road with an open mind and thru discovery you might end up somewhere else entirely.