I don't know about the specific model but the prevailing opinions about Epiphones are that some are very good and some are not so good. If you've found one that sounds good and plays well with crap strings, then you've found a good one.
If it matters, though, I bought a used 355 for $x US; I thought that was a good deal but I later saw one at $x US! So the used ones can be pretty inexpensive.
edited per no price discussion rule
