so I came across an epiphone for about 100$ at guitar center. good buy bad buy? I've never plaed one and am going to try before I buy but does it have any downsides I should know?

Depends on what type of epiphone it is. Acoustic or electric? Generally the're pretty good guitars but at that price it probably has low quality electronics if its is electric. Low quality wood if it is acoustic. Should still play fine though.

its an acoustic, and I have no clue what kinda ep it is. What would be a good sugestion then? realitivly cheap

an epi would be just fine. you could also check cheaper fanders or alvarezes.

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*fenders

I wouldn't play a $100 Epiphone guitar if you paid me. ESPECIALLY not an electric one.

It's not the worst beginner guitar, but if want to do anything fancy on it or want it to sound good, I wouldn't drop less than 500 bucks on a guitar.

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I'd check with one of the teachers on http://www.ziplesson.com - They really know their stuff.