Epiphone Les Paul Standard

• Epiphone was a company that was purchased by guitar maker Gibson and is known for making cheaper versions of Gibson guitars like the Les Paul Standard. The Epiphone model has similar characteristics to the Gibson, including humbucking pickups, a mahogany body and a tune-o-matic bridge. This guitar offers a reasonable facsimile of playing a Les Paul for a fraction of the price.
  
  

Fender Squier Stratocaster

• Like Epiphone is to Gibson, Squier is a slightly more downmarket version of the Fender guitar brand. The Squier Stratocaster is basically a version of the classic Fender Strat manufactured with cheaper materials and using a more cost-effective, mass-production process. Squiers are good instruments on the whole and offer the sound, look and feel of a Fender Stratocaster for a cheaper price.
  
  

Ibanez RG

• The Ibanez RG was introduced in 1987 and is known for its hard-rock styled profile that makes it popular with many young guitarists. The RG is manufactured in Japan, which helps keep the price down. RGs are known for having easy action on the neck and a high level of playability. That and the affordable price make this a good guitar for a kid who is just starting out as a player.
  
  

Washburn X Series

• The Washburn X Series is a stylish looking, affordable guitar that offers easy playability and a classic look. The X Series has a slim, maplewood neck that makes it easy for a kid-sized hand to wrap around it. It has two high-output humbucking pickups that gives it a good sound and makes it relatively simple to operate.