I have a really cruddy acoustic guitar that cost about $150 and i hate it. It always detunes and it sounds bad. Would it be easier to learn on a guitar that sounds good? Is an epiphone les paul standard good?
It is much easier to learn to play on a decent quality guitar. My first guitar (I’ve been playing for more than 30 years) was poor quality and had very high action. (What did I know about guitars when I bought? Nothing.) Because of the high action, i.e., the strings are too high above the fretboard, it was tough to form chords properly and barre chords were impossible.
Generally, a $150 guitar should be of decent quality. Before you run out and get a new guitar, take yours to a guitar shop that does repair work, and have them check it out. The place where you originally bought it would be ideal if they have a repair tech. Tell the guy, in detail, the kinds of problems you’re having.
Your guitar may need to be properly set up, may may need new tuning machines, or other work. Or maybe you just need new strings; some otherwise good guitars come with poor quality strings when sold. The cost of a little work by a trained tech can give you a better guitar for a lot less than the price of a new one.
You’ll also be happier with this guitar, instead of buying a new one but having to look at your old one sitting there unused.
BTW, if you really want the Les Paul, go ahead and get one down the road. But IMHO spend at least $350-$400. The $150 ones are quickly thrown together and don’t have all the features the $400 ones have (like only one p’up instead of two, etc..)