[Shuie]

Find a nice solid top acoustic. No electronics or amps to worry about or spend more money on.

A few years ago there were several companies from Canada making high quality new solid top acoustics in the $300-$500 range. The only brand I remember off the top of my head is 'Seagull'. I bought one for around $300 and I'll never get rid of it. No frills. Mahogany back, solid spruce top, bone nut, bone bridge, good quality hardware. Incredible sound. Very tough to beat for the money.