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I've come across a small sum of money recently and want to upgrade my acoustic. I'm going to be strumming and playing slide blues on it. So far I'm interested in a few Martins, Taylors, Larrivees, and Tacomas.Not knowing a lot about acoustics, what can I look for that will make it suit my needs? Also, are there any certain models in this price range that really stand out?

If you have that much money, I would suggest that you try to find a Walden with rosewood sides and a spruce top. They're relatively cheap, but they sound like a much more expensive guitar. I've played megabuck Martins that don't sound as good as these Chinese guitars. They use the old world construction techniques and quality woods with cheaper labor to produce a great guitar. IMO, of course, but I challenge you to go play a Walden and tell me that I'm wrong.

Try EVERYTHING in the store THEN try another store! Please don't be put of by the brand on the headstock. Just about all the big makers, exceptions are the real top line makers and we know who they are!, get entry level and intermidate guitars made in China and Korea.
Check out Cort, Tanglewood, Yamaha, Takamine these can be outstanding for very little cash and the more you have to spend the better you can get. Just make sure it has a solid spruce or cedar top and solid back/sides. Rosewood if you can and keep it as long as possible, they just get better with age and of course TLC.
I'm never getting rid of my first good acoustic, it's a entry level Yamaha FG335 and is about 28 years old. It just sounds sweet.

Check everywhere and play everything. My two most favorite acoustics that sound great and play awsome are a Marlboro dreadnaught and a Sears Roebuck OM style. Ya never know when you'll find a great guitar.

if you can get a Taylor for that...go for it!!!!

you can get a great Takamine for that price!!!!

Went to guitar center today, and the Martin D-15 that I played demolished all of the other Martins, Takamines, Epiphones, Fenders, and Ovations I played.

Unfortunately they didn't have any larrivees, tacomas, or taylors (for under 1k), or Waldnes . So I'm going to have to make a few trips to shops further away. But right now, the D-15 is the favorite (all mahogany, the spruce top didn't sound as nice)