Just learning guitar now. I have many friends that are professional musicians but I never had the time. I have now decided to make the time to learn. I just moved here from Chicago area and I purchased my epiphone sheraton II ebony new from guitar center. Along with 2 other guitars and 3 amps. Why so many when I am just learning? A very good question unfortunately I did not ask this of myself before purchasing them all but I like them all.And only the epi was new. Sorry, but I could not afford a Gibson. However I am told this is better than theirs for this model but I don't know the difference as of yet. I am still learning .