Musician's Friend | Your Online Music Instrument & Pro Audio Store | Best Prices, Great Service provides good reviews. Go play many at the local shop, like guitar center if they are available in your area. At that price range Martin, Taylor and Gibson are the "standards" and all are very well made. It really comes down to the sound you prefer, and if you want accoustic, or accoustic / electric if playing with a band or in large venues (Office parties, etc.) I prefer Martin for the warm sound, but also have an accoustic electric Carvin that sounds more like a Taylor. Have fun shopping, you can't go wrong with the three I listed, though like I said it is greatly a matter of sound preference.