Buying an Acoustic Guitar
There are many design variations for the present day Acoustic Guitar. So many body styles and sizes, different wood types, and quality levels are being built everyday to help accommodate the many variations of playing styles and budgets. The fact is that many people's lives have been moved in one direction or another from playing and listening to music of the acoustic guitar. It takes a lot of time and dedication to learn to play well, but for those of us who have embarked on the journey, few have heard a note of regret. When you learn to play the guitar, or any instrument, you you add an ingredient of richness to your life for the rest of your life.
So what direction will your acoustic guitar take you?
The style of music you want to make will help direct you toward a certain type of guitar. Do you prefer the traditional full body or is a cutaway what you like?
Are you a flat picker, finger picker, both? If you already play guitar and are looking for a higher quality instrument, you will be looking at the qualities in workmanship, tonewoods, fit and finish and playability. And don't forget about warranties.
Younger players may be best off purchasing a smaller size guitar because it can be easier to get fingers around the neck and fretboard and onto the right strings. Sometimes a nylon string guitar is easier to play because the strings are softer, however, the neck is typically wider, so it can be more difficult to get littler fingers around and may not be the best choice for a younger player with still growing fingers. The smaller travel type guitars might be a good option for a younger student whose hands and fingers are smaller.
The Little Martin is great when traveling, but also for playing around the house. It fits nicely in my lap in just about any chair. Most retailers sell these and many other popular styles, with varying price ranges.
Sting 
on the little strings
We recommend that you budget enough for your first guitar to get one that will be easily adjustible for best set up of the "action", as in string height off the fretboard. That means with an adjustible truss rod in the neck. And if it's a steel string model, light gauge strings are going to be the most friendly to your still tender fingertips.
Also we recommend that you give some thought to the style of music you are likely to be learning to play, since your picking or strumming hand will be learning at the same time your fingering hand is learning. You'll begin developing habits right from the start. So if you think you'll be playing finger pick style music, you may want to learn to play with a thumb pick and bare fingers as opposed to a flat pick for strumming. Both methods are extremely versatile once you get your mojo workin', and they are not exclusive of each other. However most players are typically going to develop their best skill level with one or the other of these different styles.
My pricipal acoustic guitar is a Martin 000 model. Besides the beautiful sounds that this guitar makes, it has an appealing kind of simplicity. It's hard not to be in love with a beautiful guitar! (Plus, they love you back).