May I point out that The Seagull is much better appointed. Has solid wood back and front and was 2/3 the cost. I am confident that I got way more VALUE for my money! Plain guitar vs plain guitar, feature for feature a $400 Seagull does not compare badly with a much more expensive, low end Taylor, Martin or Gibson. I believe, subjectively of course, from Seagull you can get a guitar 90% as good for 40% of the price. The reason being, Canadian exchange rate, lower canadian wages and access to abundant, high quality wood. Of course, A lot of guitarists will spend a few hundred more to get a guitar that is just a little better. I did that with the Gibson and I am happy I did. I am also happy that I paid extra to get the Adjustable bridge replaced with a real bridge which greatly improved the volume and projection.

I've not seen the new fenders, and I will admit that I prefer North American workmanship to Asian for guitars (except maybe Takimine and Yamaha Japanese models)

But If I were looking in the 250-500 pound range, for a decent guitar, with good value, I'd look hard at Seagull. Above that Martin, Taylor, Takimine, Gibson.