Am I missing anything?
Guitar advice
Places to check out in North Carolina:
Sundpure, Durham
Harry's and Guru, Raleigh
Mullis Music in Concord
Recording king
http://harryandjeaniewest.com/
Give Guitar Center website a shot: Yamaha FG700S
*** pay attention to return policy ***
Notes:
three primary concerns to pay attention to:
is the action low?
does it hold tune?
does it have a solid top?
1-a solid soundboard made of spruce or cedar or mahogany. Laminated soundboards don't tend to sound as good as solid ones.
Laminated sides and backs are not a concern at this point.
2-tuners that turn smoothly and are not chromed plastic - they will feel and look like solid, quality pieces of machine worked metal.
3-I suggest either a Dreadnaught or a Folk size guitar. The Dreadnaught is what most people think of when they think "acoustic guitar". The folk size is a bit smaller and may be easier to play for some people.
Guitars worth checking out:
Washburn D-10S for under $250
Breedlove Passport C250/CMe
Sammick - Greg Bennet
Yamaha FG