mr dave

it really depends on the place. if it's a chain store then odds are the clerks collect a commission for each sale and while they won't necessarily try to steer you wrong they won't necessarily go for the best deal ($$$) for you.

if it's a 'mom and pop' kind of store they're generally more inclined in fostering long term customer relationships and would offer better guidance based on the idea that you'll become a loyal lifelong customer.


as for the Epiphones and the back and forth going on in this thread - they're not as horrible as they're made out by some of the comments, but their connection to Gibson is as superficial as its been made to seem.

i played an Epi Sepcial II for years and the only thing wrong with it was loose tuning pegs. it was an issue i didn't mind dealing with as it was my 5th guitar and knew how to handle it (i just wanted a black beater). had it been my first guitar i would have gotten incredibly frustrated at the tuning situation. this was also 10 years ago so i'm hoping they've improved the quality a bit, won't hurt to double check the pegs though if you do end up checking one out.

__________________
i am the universe