Calling all guitar experts!

[Kat Walker]

I need your help!

I don't play guitar or know much about the instrument, so I need some expert advice on what type you think a proficient player would enjoy. I'm hoping to get him either a bday/Christmas gift (both are in December ^^; )

Anyway, here's some possible pertinent information/questions:

-- He plays acoustic guitar. As far as I know, he's not much of a heavy metal kind of guy. He plays at church all the time too.

-- He owns a guitar already, kind of an average type with nylon strings, I believe. Very old. Do you think steel strings would be a better choice? Which sounds better? Which is higher quality?

-- Classical guitar, Folk guitar, or Jazz guitar? I know he's a big jazz fan, but Im not sure if there's a significant enough of a difference between a Jazz guitar and other types. Anyone know?

-- My budget is probably 300 or so....Ill use every penny I can but that is the bare minimum. Anyone know of any wholesale/outlet instrument stores or good deals online? How's e-bay?

-- In the event that I can't get him an actual guitar, what kind of accessories/repair kits/tuning stuff and whatnot are really good for a serious guitar player? Something that he'd really appreciate. Any and all comments are apreciated for this one, because at the moment it seems like my best choice. ^^;;;;;;

Anyway, thanks for reading guys, and any and all advice/ideas/help/comments/or resources would be highly highly appreciated!