[sheaton]

Don't sell yourself short. I made a mistake when I was getting my guitar degree and played a mid level instrument. When I got my first job I purchased a professional instrument, and it opened a whole new world in playing for me. The lesser (student) instruments will hold you back as a musician in the long run, and likely discourage you, and make you seem like you have less talent than you may actually have. Get a Benedetto, they are what it takes to sound like a pro archtop player.