Cort's make good guitars, I have an earth 200 and I like that (though a lot of that is sentimantal attachment to my first guitar) so the earth 500 would be peretty nice. They always get good reviews, so don't be put off by the "made in Korea" tag. However, don't go for one just because it looks the fanciest! I have no knowledge of the Simon & Patricks, but I'm just saying, don't disregard the Cort.