A Stella was the first guitar I rented for my first 6 guitar lessons over 42 years ago. They are the worst sounding pieces of crap ever. Student/low end guitars I would say are far superior today. At least the necks are not Louisville Sluggers and the pick-guards are painted on.

I play and own old Martins, Gibsons, and one fabulously set up vintage Harmony Sovereign. I personally think Taylor guitars have as much personality as a protozoa, Epiphones (modern) are just Gibson designs with inferior materials and workmanship, and Collings are half way decent but I wouldn't necessarily buy one as it has no vintage vibe.