No doubt they are a well built guitar for the money, all depends on the style of guitar you want though. Best thing is to sit down in a guitar shop with loads of brands to see which 'feels' nicest to you - if it's out of the price range at least you will have established the body type and neck profile that suits you. Make sure you check out Ibanez guitars too - I would go for them over Epi's any day but that's just because I like thin fast 24 fret necks.