I've owned one of the Guild B-30's, and was mostly happy with it. I settled for it whilst searching for an affordable upright, and didn't play it at all during the "honeymoon" with the new axe. Ended up selling it on consignment through Elderly insrtuments, and got $200 more than I paid, but I'd never find another for $450, I'd bet. The Guilds have considerably more air space then the Martins, and cosequiently a fuller bottom end, to my ears. I was a beast to carry around, and when playing with more than 2 or three other folks tended to get drowned out. I've also played the Taylor bass, and they're wonderful, but VERY pricy. I thought the Dobro model was decently loud, but not very pleasing in tone, and the Ovations...well, I won't bad mouth them, but they're no good. As others have written, the lower priced "budget"models are not worth purchasing. You might come across an Earthwood bass (made in the 70's by Ernie Ball, I think) but they're quite rare in the states. Good luck!