Just my opinion but I have never cared for the sound of accoustics with maple backs and tops, much too boomy in the bass and bright on the treble, and in my experience a guitar that you don't like the sound of is not a bargain at any price, Takamine makes good guitars, you can probably find a dealer in your area, go play some in your price range and pick the best sounding one, there are alot of pretty guitars on the market and a manufacturer is just as happy to sell you a looker as they are a player.....