I've tried Ovations, and my ears ring too much for me to pick up subtle differences in tone - I find I can't make a bowl backed guitar stay on my lap when playing sitting down. Might just be me.

My first acoustic years ago was a washburn - it was the cheapest guitar I could find with solid top / back and sides, but it was fully acoustic and I bought a soundhole pickup for it, which did enough for me. The tops of all the guitars that were in that price range when I bought mine were sitka spruce as I recall.

I believe the electronics are nothing to shout about until you start spending more money, but I'm not 100%. Just so you've thought about it, consider a standard acoustic and separate pickup - it'll widen your options...

ZRP