Thanks for all the ideas.
Funny how these things go...
I went to the local shop I often avoid, headtrippers, pushy sales methods. In the backroom at the end of the rack is a 1960's Yamaki dreadnaught for $549 (thought it said Yamaha at first). The top looks bad, it's spruce but is a bit marked and has a blotchy finish. The sides and back are nice solid rosewood. Bracing looks a little chunky, but bridge is still flat, neck straight. Pretty good feeling neck.
Man it plays very well! Great output, even tone, clear highs, deep bass. Exceptional sustain.
I completely missed this company back in the day.
I start researching Yamaki guitars and learn they have a great reputation, comparisons to D28's (this one is basically a copy of), etc.. Yamaha sued them for name infringement, Yamaki folded and sold tooling etc to Daion (of Japan).
Could be a good one for me. Ugly top, rest is nice, sounds great, cheap.
So who knows about Yamaki's?
I went back to theguitarstoreoftheegomaniacs to check out the Yamaki again, and was offered it for $500, so I put a deposit down. When I got home there was a message that the case wouldn't be included and that's why they went down in price.
! I went back and got my deposit back. Thought a peaceful deal had been made, but they lived up to their rep again. F those guys.
So I'll extend the casual approach over the next few months or less. Just remembered my friends Alvarez Yairi dreadnaught, will see if I can locate one. This is a good back burner issue, if it comes I will play it!