Acoustic Guitar Recommendations
 

I'm writing this with a tear in my eye as I'm finally moving on from my very first guitar...The neck is starting to warp and it just doesn't sound as good anymore. I've had it for....5 yrs? now and while it has withstood A LOT of abuse and two trips around the world, it's time to move on.

It's a standard Washburn D-100M and while I considered refurbishing and keeping it, I'd also like to upgrade to a better guitar. I'm looking at the $300-$500 price range, prefer to have an acoustic/electric with a built in tuner and something that produces a full, rich tone. I'm also planning to purchase some equipment to start recording on my computer so I assume an acoustic/electric is essential for that?

All that to say, I need some suggestions and recommendations for good acoustic types, models, etc. I bought the last one off of Ebay:yikes: got really lucky but would like to take a more educated approach this time around. Help anyone?

EDIT: I'm also interested in lifespan, durability and things like that because I subject my instrument to many trips and other non-advisable things so if anyone has an opinion or experience with that, I'd really appreciate it!

The only advice anyone can reasinably give you here is to go and play as many within your pricerange as you can and pick your favourite. Any advice anyone gives you really wont be much better than that with acoustic instruments, since they're all designed very similarly.

Also, for home recording, you do not need an acoustic electric, but if you dont have one you will need a microphone.

Fender do an electric acoustic in that price range, OK made in China, but they work and sound fine.
Yamaha also do some good stuff.
Just bought one for my son, who's been playing a year and needs to move on to something a bit better.
Check the second-hand market - always some good deals to be had, and older acoustics,(apart from Ovations), always get a rounder, more mellow tone

i play a lakewood acoustic.. they're made in germany. really excellent guitars, but if you're looking midprice range like I was I went for a basic Martin DM. they're beautifully toned instruments that just get better with age. my advice, if you're serious about your music, dont skimp when it comes to buying your second instrument. It's an investment. if you take care of it you will be handing it down to your children and your children's children and so on. and your ears will thank you!!

A Yamaha is an affordable, and decent sounding option. We have two of them here at my house, and they're pretty good.