I just got a brand new Art & Lutherie Cedar Antique Burst yesterday, after struggling unsuccessfully with its wide-necked (1.8 ") Seagull S6 cousin I had picked up used a month ago. Having not done my homework, I wasn't aware of the S6's wide neck until after I had gotten it home and played it for a bit. I had hoped I could adjust to it, but NFW. I liked everything else about the S6, and the new A & L delivers it all, along with a normal-width neck. I got this guitar for $250 and it'll blow away anything in that price range. It's a no-frills guitar that bling aficionados probably wouldn't care for, but with its light lacquer (yep, not poly) finish that allows the top to resonate fully, this thing is LOUD. I played four of them before picking one to buy and again noticed something I had noticed before - they vary quite a bit sonically from guitar to guitar. I suspect that it's because of the cedar tops, not because of construction variables.

So, if you're looking for a bargain-priced acoustic, check one of these out.