I've been playing on electric for nearly 3 years, and i really really really want a nice acoustic. i've been thinking, maybe an alvarez or a lower end martin. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated...please try to stay within, say $500 or so.

i'm assuming you're looking for a 'pure' acoustic and not an electric / acoustic hybrid... you can't go wrong with martin or taylor... but they'll cost you... i seem to remember hearing good things about takamine's also...

Martin is probably the best American acoustic, but I have owned a Washburn for almost 11 years and wouldn't trade it for any Martin.

Washburn is the oldest luthier in the US.
Mine is all mahogany (limited edition), a DARK Cobalt Blue with gold trim, Grover machines, solid ivory nut and bridge, and has the tone to rival any D40 or Gibson, or Takamine or Yamaha, or Conn, or, or, or any other guitar including Ovation.

Go to www.washburn.com. See the pros that use Washburn.
Be aware though, they do have an economy class that are made in Japan.

The American made models range from low $300's to over $2000.
My guitar was $490 in 1992.

I hear a lot of good things about Washburns. I really should try one out someday.

i havent tried martins or washburns.....but have tried few takamines and yamaha acoustics which were very nice.unfortunately they were way beyond my budget.i wish i cud get a nice acoustic.

as of now i am using a "givson"...this is local indian company which i bought coupla yrs ago for RS.1800/-....thats $40!!!!its a f-cut thinline model and i love it since its my first guitar but wud love to get a better one.for $40 my givson rocks!!

Do not, I reapeat, do not buy a new Martin. I'll just leave it as they don't make them like they used to and they are not worth the price. If you want a Martin get a pre 70's one. Now a day's if you want a good acoustic you have to go for a new company or a private lutier. I had my guitar hand made and it's perfect for me. I'll put a pic of it here. The Canadian's are making excellent guitars now. Seagulls are a great sounding guitar for about $500. The top of the line for Canada though is Larrivee. I have never played a Larrivee that wasn't just awesome. Check out where a Larrivee dealer is close to you and go play one.

Washburns are really great...2 of my friends just got new ones and they have a nice tone and are pretty reasonably priced. I dont suggest Fender for acoustic, dont think they sound that great unless theyre electric. I THOUGHT Martins were good, but the other guy says theyre not so...he prolly knows what hes talking about. Yamaha solid woods aint too shabby either and theyre about $200-$300 maybe. Hope you find something you like!

It's not that Martins are bad. They sound great when played for years. Pre war Martins were some of the best guitars made ever. I would love to get an older model, but they cost a lot. New Martins are just not that good and you'd be hard up to find one in your $500 price range.

Actually, and this may sound weird, but i've been checking out these Gretches they've been making now and for $500 you can end up with a pretty nice sounding guitar.

I have a maton accustic guitar, they are made in Australia. I don't know how well they are known in other parts of the world but here in Australia they are the gear. They easily rate with the takamines and seagulls.

http://www.maton.com.au