I definitely want a rosewood guitar for the crispness which it gives. Presently I play a mahogony dreadnaught which I love, especially for it's warmth, but in certain situations I like the extra clarity and definition of rosewood, plus the extra volume when playing with others.

I use medium strings now (high E .013 to low E .056), and changing to the mediums from lights was one of the best pieces of advice I've received, and would recommend to anyone that a good setup and medium or heavier gauge strings can really bring out a lot in a good guitar.

I guess what I'm trying to find out are the differences in body styles and how they seem to perform for finger [picking. I play mostly blues and ragtime, but am not restricted to those styles.

I'll be looking forward to having fun on my search. I'd also like to go out armed with any pointers and/or information on the big purchase. I'm sure there are many out there who have been there before.

Thanks Res and Bert.