Ovation guitars seem to have a pretty good rep. The sound is enhanced by the shape of the back's bowl, perhaps more than by the materials. For what it's worth, they have been/are played on stage by some well known musicians. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ovation_Guitar_Company
I've played three Ovation acoustic-electrics; a six string and two 12-strings (one of which I own). They all sound great by themselves or plugged in.
Don't know nutin' 'bout other brands... :D
"It takes a lot of devotion and work, or maybe I should say play, because if you love it, that's what it amounts to. I haven't found any shortcuts, and I've been looking for a long time."
-- Chet Atkins
-- Chet Atkins
