I know that ephiphone special II is $150 or $200 for package deal at guitar center, but it has label on the back saying its made in china. it feels nice and sound ok for begginer i guess, you can also say you don't like the amp in the package and they can throw in a marshall 10watt amp for you which got overdrive,

I would invest a little more and get $200 rg120 ibanez, its much better quality and finish than ephiphone.

if you really like to get high quality electric, ibanez s series is very nice.

im playing alvarez 5059 acoustic right now.