VanKirk,
I am looking to get a steel string, yes. I do, however, know of someone willing to sell a once-$2,500 classical guitar (which she had insured). I would prefer, however, to just jump into the steel string arena.
There are two reasons why I'd like to keep my purchase at $300 ($400 max. with case):
1) My husband and I are socking away every spare dime for a house; so while I have some "play" money to spend, I won't allow myself to go over a set amount ($400); yet I refuse to wait another year, or so, to take up the guitar.
2) While I envision myself playing the guitar for the rest of my life, I'm also being realistic, knowing that I may not. If I spend quite a bit on an instrument I end up putting down, I'll feel rather bummed about the whole thing. Besides, I've had numerous people (online and in person) tell me that I needn't spend over $300 for a good starter guitar.
Is it true that a low-end Martin, Taylor, or Gibson is still a quality guitar? Or is it on par with, say, a mid-range Seagull, Ibanez, Takamine, etc.?
Thanks,
Jenk