advice wanted on......

exhausted

there are 3 G340 models under 250 according to music123.com's catalogue. just as information.

and i've heard jasmines that sounded better than the somewhat pricey tak i used to own. and perhaps it's only because my hands are lead.

and this is my point, acoustics are a crap shoot, no matter what the price range.

who's_pearljam?

I recommend Art and Lutherie, too.

It is pretty amazing how good they sound!

This one is $239 right now, but you ought to try to find a store to try them out.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Art-and-Lutherie-Dreadnought-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=512090

They're cutaways are nice, too.

They're a great well built guitars that sound and play nicely, and you don't have to worry too much about knocking it around.
Everyone should have a low priced guitar to play with and not stress out about someone getting fingerprints on it, or spilling beer on it at a party.
Or getting just a bit too close to the campfire with it. You wouldn't want to do that with a Taylor 810!