I have spent a couple of days going through all (well most!)the existing threads on 12 strings and have learnt a lot but would ask for some more help in my quest.

I am a Brit (well a Cornishman!)working occasionally in the US. I play 12 string with what we would call a 'pub band' (6 string, 12 string, banjo, mandolin, harmonica, vocals, no amps/pickups). I presently play a Yamaha 12 which has seen better days and wish to 'upgrade'. My time to compare will be limited (maybe one or two days in Houston so I need to narrow things down a bit with some mudcatters expertise. Everyone seems keen on Guilds (although not so well known in UK?) and the JF30 is on my list....but how will that compare with, say, a Martin J12-16GT, and what about the new Gibson J185-12? I need volume, tuning stability, value, tone.... (I bet someone comes back and says buy a Taylor....)