Well, I took the plunge and bought a Bedell guitar sight unseen. I must say I'm impressed. It's a spruce top, rosewood sides and back with a cutaway and Fishman pickup and preamp with in-soundhole controls. I've been looking it over and haven't found a flaw yet in the woodwork, bindings or finish. It sound quite good but will have to be played in for the tone to develop.

My friend who is a guitar repairman said it's the nicest Chinese-made guitar he's ever seen. Basically, I got a $1,200 instrument for $500. I'm stoked!