What Midchuck said. Lowdens are nice and if you get the right one it will fit rhe bill, but it's hard to beat slothead Martin 12 fretters. I would play a lot first with someone else along to listen and play too so you can get an honest evaluation. Beware too of special rooms for trying them out, the acoustics of the place can fool you.

The finish business is hooey.......Shiny black doesn't interfere any more with sound production than satin finish natural. Don't let anyone tell you differently.

Spaw