My sole acoustic currently is a Washburn EA11 which is an Indonesian cosmetic factory 2nd of an EA17; that's my best guess anyway. The Washburn site doesn't even list the EA11 as a model it makes though mine specs out exactily like an EA17.
It's quilt maple on all 4 sides and less than 3" thick. This is a stage guitar, like Vai's would be, for high db, live use to cut back on feedback. In this context, the unplugged acoustic tone of the guitar is 2nd to the plugged in tone and the 'deader' characteristics of laminates are perfect for a guitar that's designed to minimize feedback. One thing you'll notice in the listing of the Ibanez is that they say it's quilt maple. One thing I learned about acoustics is that unless the word SOLID is in front of the species of wood, it's a laminate. So, that Ibanez is like my Washburn, 100% quilt maple laminate. Here's a sound clip of mine in I played poorly and incorrectly a riff a couple of times. The first time I think is pure unplugged acoustic tone recorded w/one MXL-V67 mic. The 2nd one would be that mic plus the guitar plugged in using it's B-band pickup system. The 3rd is just the B-band I think.
http://ultimategarageband.com/hotlinks/EA17test3.mp3
This past weekend I had a chance to check out a ton of high end guitars at a gathering in Conyers, GA and played guitars by Santa Cruz, Goodall, Larrivee, Taylor, Olson, and others. I played at least 30 guitars that retail for $3000 or more. Here's what I came away with:
1. The 'perfect' wood combination that elicits a tone that I most enjoy is a Sitka Spruce top w/solid Koa sides and back. The Larrivees I played w/this combo were killer although the Goodall I played was a bit smaller than the Larrivees and I just slightly preferred it. Although I'd be VERY happy w/a Larrivee version. These were about OM sized bodies, 14 frets to the body, no cutaways.
2. Maple on acoustics, to me, is just too bright. I know that a personal taste thing, but I played several 00 and 000 sized guitars w/Spruce tops a solid flamed maple sides and backs and they were just too bright. Of all the guitars and wood combinations I picked up and played, I put those down the quickest.
3. One look at my Washburn and any acoustic player worth anything thinks "That guy plays electric guitar." Sure, these quilt lams are pretty, but as someone above said, acoustic guitars should be about tone first and looks 2nd. I like my Washburn ok for what it is, but wouldn't cry if I didn't have it. I'd certainly replace it w/something a bit nicer. At least now I now what my 'ultimate' acoustic is made out of. Larrivee has some at around $1300 or so. The Goodall would be around $3000. I've never made an acoustic guitar before, but at $3000 I think I'd be tempted to try. I'm not a woodworking rookie though; I've got tons of experience in furniture and some solid body guitar repair, etc..
I'm going to keep watching this thread, I'd like to see what you do.