I have three Martins and four Washburns, so I feel a bit qualified to help. I also owned an S&P for a while, but disposed of it to someone who was more gentle with their guitars, as I felt that the finish was fragile in the extreme. Ditto (since they come from the same stable) Seagulls.

You don't state your budget, but I would always recommend spending as much as you can afford to buy a guitar with good playability, tone and intonation. Whilst the Washburn D10 series is just about their cheapest offering, don't be put off by the "Made in China" label, they do vary and some are surprisingly good (for the money - under GBP150). I have recently acquired a Washburn WG2S, which is made there, is beautifully finished, plays superbly and sounds as good as any new 00 size guitar I have ever played - including some very expensive Martins. If you can find one (they are a limited edition) try a WG2S, you could be pleasantly surprised. It has no electronics, however.

Once upon a time guitars from Japan were sneered at, but all too soon they proved at least as good as instruments from more traditional countries of manufacture. Production of mass-produced guitars tends to move around following the lowest labour costs, and Taiwan, Korea and now China have succeeded Japan over the years, but without necessarily acquiring the same cachet. I even have a Tanglewood solid electric that was made in Viet Nam, and it's not a bad axe at all!

I still marvel at the value for money offered by the Martin 15 and DM guitars, and, if you can afford one, I don't believe you can go wrong.

Don't rush your purchase, always play each candidate for as long as possible before you buy and try taking along your existing guitar for comparison.

Good luck

Alan