Another vote here for the Canadian made line of Norman, Simon & Patrick, and Seagull. Haven't seen a whole lot of the Art & Lutherie line but they are made by the same family as the others already mentioned. You can't go wrong with a Yamaha either, keep an eye out for a used model, for $300 you can get a solid top in the used dept.. Best place to start are the local buy and sell rags, also check the local pawn shops. Before you buy check ebay for completed listings or harmonycentral.com to compare different models. Some posters will state the price they paid as well, worth a look, do your homework it will pay off. Good luck.