mr dave

A Martin is a worthwhile investment and I've never known anyone to regret it. They only get better with age.

The other big name I hear a lot for acoustics is Taylor.

As GB said, go down to the shop, especially if you're looking at a budget that could afford a Martin.

I was also going to mention Godin guitars but their acoustic sub-division is actually Seagull...

One last thing, if you're concerned with getting something and then finding out a month later you think the tone sucks why not just rent it for a month? It's a little more expensive but it would make it easier to really find something you like.

This is worth addressing because in cars terms it's like saying "I'm leaning towards a pickup truck, the only reason I question it is because I've always wanted a convertible".

You're trying to lean over a pretty big gap with this situation.

Essentially the Strat is a workhorse and personally I think every guitar aficionado should at least own one or a good clone. However if you're not at that stage yet then you need to make a choice and ultimately it only needs to satisfy you.

The main difference besides the obvious brightness of the tone is that hollowed guitars create more feedback than a solid body, and in some cases A LOT more feedback.

What do you currently have for a guitar? Is a Strat really that different? Are you looking to change your overall tone or just refine it? Do you plan on amassing an eventual collection or just perpetually trading upward?

If anything I'd recommend the rental deal again, especially where you're considering two distinct beasts like these.

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