I have a Lowden O10 and I would never give it up. When I bought it I was lucky enough to have the pick of many really nice guitars including Martins, Taylors, Gibsons, Guild's indeed most of the big players. However, I can honestly say that the Lowden beat them all. It was big, meaty, gentle, easy to play and it made me a better player because of it. It is just the loveliest thing I own and certainly the best acoustic I can afford.

But in the world of acoustics you do generally get what you pay for and the literally hundreds of luthier's out there is staggering and for your 3,000+ budget I swear (because I've tried them) that you can get guitars that would make you sweat urine because of their blistering quality.

But someone right at the top had it right when they said the most important thing is that you're happy with your guitar. It's such a personal thing.