I was in your position a couple of years ago and went to Coda Music at Stevenage where I listened to the sales guy play Martins, Taylors and Lowdens while my back was turned and I went for the Lowden every time. This was a surprise as I was intent on buying a Martin but bought a Lowden O35!

I had a custom guitar built several years ago by a fairly well known maker who shall remain nameless and it was a disaster, mainly because of careless workmanship and the fact that many of my specifications that he recorded were ignored. It also took 3 years to arrive. If you decide to get a custom model, make sure you write out your spec and send a letter confirming what is agreed. I was very unlucky, but it would pay to be very cautious.