Here's a neat Seagull small body (a step up from Art & Lutherie in the Godin line) well within your price range:
http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=119395
I've been eying this one myself for a delta blues fingerpicker. I have a Seagull S6 (dread) I use as a "beater" that is one of the best sounding and playing guitars I've ever owned - and I've had high-end Martins as my working guitars for 45 years.
- mike