Are you thinking another dread or a smaller body? Yamaha does make some some great guitars... If you're wanting fairly new (gently used) I'd consider either a LS or LL 16 series Yamaha.... They're a real gem tonally If you're wanting Vintage be very cautious with yamahas, they're known for developing bad neck angles and needing a reset which is very costly with them being dovetail and hide glued... Just be sure to ask plenty of questions and ask for plenty of pics Make sure the action is fairly low and you have enough saddle above the bridge for further adjustment. Other than that, A 70's Yamaha Red Label Nippon Gakki would be an excellent choice... IMO
I'll second Godin also (Simon & Patrick, Norman, Art & Lutherie, Seagull, etc..) They're slightly shorter scale making them easier to play and giving them a slightly "looser/more mellow" tone. You could find a S&P Pro or Seagull Artist used in that price range and they are both great guitars with the only real difference being the 1.8 vs 1.72 inch nut width... The only real word of caution about buying these used is to be careful for excessive bellying in models over 7 years old.... Before then they were true flat top guitars and while they sound excellent they are prone to bellying so just be careful if buying online. About 7 years ago they switched to slightly radiused top that solved the problem but to me they don't sound quite as lively as the flat tops so it was a little of a design trade off. But then again ageing could be a factor there.... I've got 2 of the first S&P Pro's and a newer S&P Showcase. The new ones are more heavily built and braced...
I'd like to add Yairi to your list as well Didn't see that coming huh guys...lol It's no secret that I'm a Yairi nut!! IMPO They are the best bang for the buck out there! I'm especially partial to the 70's thru early 80's models
[b][color=#FF0000]If your brain is part of the process, you're missing it. You should play like a drowning man, struggling to reach shore. If you can trap that feeling, then you have something.
[/color][/b] [b]Peace of mind. That's my piece of mind...[/b]