One of my favourite go to guitars is a Japanese Aria Pro Cardinal Series CS-400 sunburst finish.
[from the revered Matsumoko factory]
which is getting of for 3 decades old
and battle scarred like a fight seasoned pit bull...

http://www.matsumoku.org/models/ariaproii/cs/cs-400.html



Cost me about £60 quid just over 10 years ago.

Tone is superb and plays just right for me...

Easily comparable to vastly far more expensive new 'legendary' American guitars.