I currently own a Yamaha APX electric/acoustic guitar that is very slim.  It plays very well but there is not enough body to it to create a deep tone.  Here is what I have:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/yamaha-apx500ii-thinline-cutaway-acoustic-electric-guitar/h75594
 
 
I am treating myself to an newer acoustic.  I play at church and will be doing more casuals.  I need an electric/acoustic and have a limited budget of around $300.00.
 
So, I have seen the following John Lennon model by Epiphone:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/epiphone-ej-160e-john-lennon-acoustic-electric
 
It sounded good on a YouTube video I saw where it was compared with a John Lennon Gibson version (that would be nice).
 
Have any of you any knowledge of the Epiphone model?  I want good tone with great action.  My Yamaha is really good with action.  The strings are not high off the neck and overall, I can play just about any chord very easily.
 
Is there another model in this price range I should consider?  
 
All input is greatly appreciated.  Thanks much!
 
Jimmy

Hey Jimmy...I know this is not what you're after BUT...do yourself a lifelong favor and buy a better acoustic/electric guitar...even if you have to stretch out the payments. Hint...many wholesalers (like Sweetwater and Musicians Friend) have two or even three year payment deals. Buy a nice Taylor, or Martin...etc. You won't be sorry. Just my two cents.

If you do end up getting the Lennon, keep us informed. It's one of the few acoustic I'd be interested in.
 
Though I totally get OlPal's point, I don't see myself putting that much money on an acoustic - especially not if it's to record it DI and/or if I don't have an awesome room + awesome pre + awesome mic to record it. The guitar would still be awesome, but there's no way I could tap into its potential.

duplicate. again. Darn forum software...

I gotta agree with Mr. Doghouse on this on. 
do yourself a lifelong favor and buy a better acoustic/electric guitar...even if you have to stretch out the payments
You won't be sorry. 

I hear what you all are saying.  I am shopping.  
This Epiphone EJ-200CE is also is very interesting and I have watched some good videos on it:
 
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/EEJ2VSGH?gclid=CLyep8mJ5cACFchgfgodrDQASg
 
My budget won't go much higher than this.  

Rimshot
I hear what you all are saying.  I am shopping.  
This Epiphone EJ-200CE is also is very interesting and I have watched some good videos on it:
 
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/EEJ2VSGH?gclid=CLyep8mJ5cACFchgfgodrDQASg
 
My budget won't go much higher than this.  

I'd spotted that one too! :)

Rimshot
I hear what you all are saying.  I am shopping.  
This Epiphone EJ-200CE is also is very interesting and I have watched some good videos on it:
 
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/EEJ2VSGH?gclid=CLyep8mJ5cACFchgfgodrDQASg
 
My budget won't go much higher than this.  

 
I just got one of these. For the money, this is a very nice acoustic, with decent electronics. The action was sweet right from the factory. The stock strings suck, so I changed those right away. Nice full jumbo sound and easy to play. Nice projection without being to heavy on the bass. It's also a beautiful guitar. I'd recommend it for what you are looking for. I have a Martin 000-28 Ambertone on order, but that one will never leave the studio.
 
Randy

rsp@odyssey.net

Rimshot
I hear what you all are saying.  I am shopping.  
This Epiphone EJ-200CE is also is very interesting and I have watched some good videos on it:
 
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/EEJ2VSGH?gclid=CLyep8mJ5cACFchgfgodrDQASg
 
My budget won't go much higher than this.  

 
I just got one of these. For the money, this is a very nice acoustic, with decent electronics. The action was sweet right from the factory. The stock strings suck, so I changed those right away. Nice full jumbo sound and easy to play. Nice projection without being to heavy on the bass. It's also a beautiful guitar. I'd recommend it for what you are looking for. I have a Martin 000-28 Ambertone on order, but that one will never leave the studio.
 
Randy

Thanks Randy.  Have you had any issues with intonation on the EJ-200CE?  Have not heard about any but thought I would ask.  
 
Jimmy

Rain
If you do end up getting the Lennon, keep us informed. It's one of the few acoustic I'd be interested in.
 
Though I totally get OlPal's point, I don't see myself putting that much money on an acoustic - especially not if it's to record it DI and/or if I don't have an awesome room + awesome pre + awesome mic to record it. The guitar would still be awesome, but there's no way I could tap into its potential.

Somehow, Rain, I can picture you with one of these, black of course:
http://godinguitars.com/godin5thavenuekingpincwp.htm
A little spendy perhaps, but it's not your run of the mill guitar.
I'm a big fan of Godin, and I can see one of these potentially in my future.
 
Jimmy, I would probably  be comfortable with either of those Epi's. I trust randy's assessment of the EJ-200CE, and I absolutely love my new Epi Riviera. My 35 year old Epi Genisis is still going strong. Granted these are completely different, but the point is that Epiphone can deliver a respectable guitar in that price range.