|  |     I would look at the following for starters:
    
    Martin Sigma - Made for Martin in Japan, using the same basic
    designs as the Martin dreadnoughts, Jumbos, and 00 styles.
    
    Guild Madeiras series - Similar to Martin Sigma.
    
    Takamine - Japanese makers offering one of the best acoustic/electrics
    available. They offer some entry level instruments in your price
    range, plus an even less expensive Jasmine brand (I believe the
    Jasmines are made in Korea).
    
    Applause. I believe these are made in Japan or Korea for Ovations.
    Feature the same Lexan round-bowl design. I have seen some Applause
    guitars that were made entirely of plastic. These are great for
    rough use like camping, street playing, christmas caroling, etc.
                                                          
    Washburn offers a wide range of acoustics in various configurations
    ranging from classic to flattop, to cutaway to acoustic/electrics
    to solid acoustic/electrics to Archtops. American made, and reasonably
    price.
    
    You might also find an even better instrument in this price range
    if you look at used.
    
    Mark
    
    
    
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|  | I ma *very* happy with my Ovation Celebrity (CC-67). I think they sell for 
about $279 new, and I've seen them for about $200-$220 used. Its a nice
sounding guitar, and I find it real easy to play. Also has a built-in pickup, 
which I find very convenient.
Alan S.
 | 
|  |     Another to check out is the Ibanez Performance series.  A local dealer
    had a 12 string, blonde finish, for $250 brand new!  It sounded ALMOST
    as good as some of the Takamine 12 strings.  It didn't have a pickup
    but you could easily add a Barcus Berry or Seymour Duncan SD1.
    
    Mike_who_wants_a_Takamine_like_Pete_Townsend's_in_the_Tommy_concert
 |