Hello Wess, Boy you sound like me. I have been on a guitar hunt for atleast 2 mths. I went to several guitar stores and played almost every guitar I couldn't afford. I played several breedlove's and noticed a few things. The 1200.00 and over with all the pretty inlays were made here while the ones under that were made in Asia. . To my surprize I liked the ones made in asia for the sound and price. hummm. Next i went martin. Didn't like the feel or the tone of the cheaper martins. 1500.00 and down lol. I was looking for a larravee but they were not to be had in my area stores. Then i played a 714ce Taylor and i was floored. But i didn't have 2700.49 or whatever it was. And to get to the point ( sorry guys for Jamming of the mouth) I went to ebay for three weeks and bought 3 guitars ( the Zeager-- sent it back---the epi chet atkin's ---sent it back and finally the used taylor 514ce KEEPER. I love it!!! I just got it today, PS Wess Take your time and just play all the guitars you can bro. and also listen to what Cshude and Mcollett hade to say. That was great advice.
This is a link to my new or used taylor You have to scroll down to bottom for pics, not fancy but what a sound. Good luck::::
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...1375&rd=1&rd=1