The J.B. Player acoustics can be had new on ebay for around $300 and play purdy decent. They also have an interanl pickup in case you want to plug it in.

As fir playing the danged things? Hmmmmmmmmmm? If you can play a 6 string, you can play these things without breakin' a sweat! Just put on a few of yer favorite CD's and after three or four songs, the *light* will come on and you'll be a bass player. I promise. Easy!

Bobert