I think what Áine is looking for is accoustic sound with electric playability.

The guitars she mentioned are hollow-bodied electrics. I believe the street price range on these instruments is somewhere around $500 - $800.

My question would be what are peoples experience intrying to coax an acoustic sound from an electric guitar.

How much is a function of body style, pickups, amp, etc.

I believe the guitars Áine mentions all have some variation of Gibson Humbuckers.