I went to a local music store. Not intending to buy another guitar. I played the GLN 11E and was so impressed I bought it. It has a wonderful tone without a solid wood top. The Okoume gives it a solid sound and a pleasant tone. 4 months later I ordered a Takamine GF30CE in black. It has a solid spruce top which will come around with age and use but for now I lean to the GLN11 for sound. The GF30 neck is a little smaller (flat) but I like the feel of the 11E with it's satin finish as apposed to the enamel of the 30. The 30 was almost $200 more than the 11E but I'm not sure I got $200 worth more guitar. Time will tell.