I don't know the US market but another alternative that I haven't seen mentioned is a good second hand instrument and although I don't know the Gretch, there may be better used instruments for that money.

It seems to me that if you buy a good quality used instrument, it is unlikely to loose value and also, this may be just me but I find some of the new instruments sound a bit "tight" compared to instruments that have been played for a couple of years.

Ayway, it sounds as if he knows what he is looking for so that is probably the one he wants. The only other suggestion I have is that he makes sure that he does try a few different guitars (he might have done that already).

Jon

PS Someone mentioned the Yamaha FG180. I have a friend who owns one and it compares favourably with all the new guitars that I have seen in the say £300 (and possibly higher) range.