Ed,

Godin makes their guitars in Quebec, and they do a splendid job. Pro-quality build, premium wood, innovative designs. Not too expensive to buy new, and ridiculously affordable if you can find a used one (re-sale value is still low because the name is not well-known).
http://www.godinguitars.com/godinacsslimp.htm will get you something you can plug in...

http://www.lasido.com/lapatriee.htm for a more traditional nylon string instrument, designed to be more accessible for a steel-string player.

The regular and cut-away La Patrie guitars are also fine tools... but play the individual instrument before you buy it - they all sound (and feel) different.
Once again: if you want to save some money but still own a guitar you can enjoy over the long haul, buy a quality used instrument.

just looking for clues...
Oren.
http://www.masteringmatters.com