The Martin DR series is nice too. I tried the Epiphone in that price range and was not that impressed. The "Recording King" guitars are a thought, as are the Blueridge guitars. The Blueridge guitars are a little heavy on the finish, but sound really good. I don't know about the electronics available though in the Blueridge and Recording King guitars though. You would have to check it out.
Here is a Blueridge with onboard electronics. http://www.sagamusic.com/catalog/det...uctID=BR-343CE
the street price might be better than here. I don't know. EDIT: Sure enough. here is is at musician'as friend for under $700. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guita...r-gospel-model
Here is another Blueridge, not in the Gospel series, that is a little over $800. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guita...lectric-guitar
I know the Blueridge and Recording King guitars have been well regarded asian guitars in the acoustic world. The Recording King series looks a little more expensive on MF.
Here is a cool looking black Martin with Fishman electronics for $799. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guita...lectric-guitar Or a natural colored one: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guita...lectric-guitar
IMHO, hard to go wrong with a Martin these days. They are making some really good stuff.
Steve Thompson
Sun Valley, Idaho
Guitars: Fender 60th Anniversary Std. Strat, Squier CVC Tele Hagstrom Viking Semi-hollow, Joshua beach guitar, Martin SPD-16TR Dreadnought
Amphs: Peavey Classic 30, '61 Fender Concert
Effects and such: Boss: DS-1, CE-5, NS-2 and RC20XL looper, Digitech Bad Monkey, Korg AX1G Multi-effects, Berhinger: TU100 tuner, PB100 Clean Boost, Line 6 Toneport UX2, Electro Harmonix Little Big Muff Pi, DuhVoodooMan's Rabid Rodent Rat Clone, Zonkin Yellow Screamer Mk. II, MXR Carbon Copy Delay
love is the answer, at least for most of the questions in my heart. . .
- j. johnson