Recuerdos is a bear to play but worth the effort, if only because it gets your time together.

And wrt to Martin classicals: The N-series are indeed classically braced (e.g., a variation on the Torres pattern) but the 000C-16 series are lightly X-braced, and do sound different from fan-braced guitars.   

You might consider the Lucida Artista series guitars - they're really quite good, all solid woods, with a wonderful neck shape and good sound.

For golpe, you can add a thick sheet of self-adhesive plastic cut to shape; it'll protect reasonably well, won't wear through easily, and can be replaced if needed.

All the best - enjoy playing

Matt, struggling with Andrew York's Andecy....