A good guitar for a somewhat beginner

[Fire&Rain]

I don't think it has been mentioned -- you get more for your money buying used. And Alvarez makes several models in your price range. Check out the Artist series for your budget.

[dhalbert]

I wouldn't describe the Yamaha FG's or a Seagull S6 as short-term guitars. They are excellent values, well-made, pretty consistent in quality, and generally sound great. Your tastes may change after you have played for a while, but you won't necessarily outgrow these anymore than you'd outgrow anything else in the price range.

As someone else pointed out, there are variations (body size, neck width) that will also make a difference. Pick a guitar that's comfortable and sounds good to you now. You should want to play it: that's really important.

[email4eric]

Plenty of good answers already provided.

+1 for Yamaha FG 700s, 720s, 730s, heck, even a FD01s -- I'm still playing the FD and it's a rock solid guitar. I think those heavy finish Yamaha guitars would hold up well to the busking. There should be a number of these used on CL and the like.

Make sure you budget $60 or so for a set up if needed. Man did that ever make my Yamaha a pleasure to play.

Good luck! Play a lot of guitars!

[ataylor]

Art & Lutherie is a brand made by Seagull that has a little bit more of a traditional look and comes in at a lower price point. That's what I started out with and I still love mine even though I have several more expensive guitars.

[fceltia63]

Originally Posted by paulzoom

You couldn't go wrong with either a Seagull S6 or a Yamaha fg730.

I agree here. Seagull make a great guitar and yamaha do have a decent QC. I had a Seagull S6 for years and I'm sure its still around somewhere. I like Yamaha's neck profile, although I don't own one they are a good guitar. Norman( same company as Seagull)make a decent guitar as well.
JM2C thanks

[The Growler]

Originally Posted by Singinchick

Yeah that was my concern when I read the review for the GS mini. Ill try them out thank you

Try the Mini. You night be surprised.

Yamahas are good. Welcome to the AGF!