Reply #4: Buy a used instrument if possible [View All]

If the guitar is in good shape (no warped neck or table, loose ribs or frets, no seriously worn frets, etc.), and sounds good to you, buy a used one. If it has been taken care of properly and been played often, it will often sound better than a new, green instrument. My best sounding guitar is the oldest and most used - a 1975 Ramirez.

Martin and Taylors are over-priced, but very good factory instruments. I'd buy either one as a used instrument, for less, or look for a luthier in your area (there are many near you along the West Coast). A guitar made by a local luthier has many benefits: it supports small artisans, it supports innovation and the art of guitar making itself, and you will be very happy to have a unique instrument made by someone whom you've met in person. If you have it, it is worth the extra investment.