Seek out a vintage Kalamazoo KG-31 made by Gibson during the Depression as their econo line. No truss rods, so you have to make sure the neck is straight. Based on the classic 16” L-5 archtop profile but with a pressed-wood arch, they are strummier and can be more in line with a bluesy guitar. *Great* for slide. You can find ‘em for under $1,500 - I did!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJyw9y33iZQ S