Mary, after much angst, I chose a Lowden as my ultimate guitar from a sound and playability standpoint. This was over current Martins, Taylors, Collings, Guild, Gibsons.

The cedar top provides for an immediate warm and full sound. While it is purported to not improve with age, IMO it doesn't need to.

Also, its my opinion that if you "love" your guitar, you'll play more.

Ed