honestly, i dont think ive been "schooled" on the guitar issue. When i was 15 i was in a band with a kid who had a very similar epiphone (probably the same model), and it gave him nothing but problems. i definitely think it was great for the guy to give him a guitar, especially after all hes been through, but i just dont know if id call it ser. im sure timmy can still play the hell out of it, and itll serve as a good backup, but i hope he sticks with that strat.