Hi,
I've been playing acoustic guitar for 15 years or so
and during that time have played most of what has been posted on the reply's. The acoustic guitar that is played on the Irish folk circut is by far Takamine. I used to play a Fender and Yamaha but 5 yrs ago switched to Takamine and have no regrets.
It is a personal choice but I know Don Baker bought a Takamine for 3,500 punts for a guitar that the face value was 1,500 because he liked the sound so much.
Hope this helps
Lee