[TD in DC]

As many know, I have voluntarily taken a temporary hiatus from racing (how temporary remains to be seen). I need something to distract me.

I took piano lessons for 12 years (although I just realized that it has been 23 years since I have played seriously ), and I have played various instruments over the years, including guitar.

So, I think I want to start playing guitar again.


I definitely want to buy an acoustic guitar.

I really like classical/Spanish guitar (nylon strings), or Spanish contemporary music (mostly steel strings, I think). Here is an example of the kind of music I like:

YouTube - Bendita Tu Luz - Maná y Juan Luis Guerra

YouTube - Bendita Tu Luz - Maná y Juan Luis Guerra

(anybody able to identify the types of guitars they are playing in the video? Looks like nylon strings, no? ) Here is the "official" video of the same song, which is of much higher quality:

YouTube - Man� Bendita Tu Luz (Music Video)

YouTube - Man� Bendita Tu Luz (Music Video)

So, I need to make two decisions:

First, do I want nylon or steel strings.

Second, what type/brand of guitar to buy.


Please give me your advice on what factors I should consider and your recommendations. Thanks!


P.S. Here are a few of the guitars I liked at the store.
Steel Strings:
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Breedlov...13-i1147737.gc
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Martin-D...88-i1170757.gc
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Taylor-4...27-i1148435.gc
Nylon Strings:
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Cordoba-...75-i1147850.gc
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Cordoba-...53-i1166343.gc
Help!

P.S. The first guy who says "Buy the damned guitar" "buy the damned trailer" or "buy a damned race car" is going to get a swift kick in the nuts!