30 year old flat top... check it out carefully. By now it may be in need of a neck reset.
A lot of Japanese guitars from that era had the necks glued in with epoxy. Also they tended to assemble the guitar and THEN spray it, so there's lots of finish over the neck/body join.
THAT all made it a mission to do a reset, so often the bridge would get shaved down instead - which puts the reset off for a while. But if the bridge has been cut down and you then get the neck sorted out the bridge may be too low. Also if it's cut down then the break angle over the saddle may be too shallow - though you're describing a good sound.
I'm not saying it
has to be that way, but it
can be, so check it out.
As for the top... if it's a clear finish it's easy to tell if it's a solid or laminate top. Just look at the edges of the sound hole.
This is a solid top
You can follow the grain all the way through from the outside to the inside. You won't see the grain like that if it's laminate.
11s are not that heavy for a flat top - though if you're not used to them... Again, get the geometry checked out. Make sure it's the strings and not the action.
There is no golden rule here. Some specialist acoustic players use heavier strings - EG Martin Simpson - and some go lighter - EG Tony Rice. But it does effect the tone. Heavier strings will drive the top better.
BUT
Try to find out what the guitar is designed for. Remember that Taylor I used to have? The factory strongly recommends you don't go heavier than 12s on that. Makers build with a specific gauge in mind, or to take a maximum gauge.
What's the saddle made from? If it's got a cheap plastic saddle then an upgrade there can make a big difference.
Dreadnoughts tend to have a lot of volume and mids. OMs (like my Morgan) have a different balance and a little better separation of strings. Body shape DOES make a difference.
Go see Richard at Music Connection. They've got some good second hand instruments at present. Or pop into Ronnie's Allbang and Strummit. He has some gems sometimes. Because you're coming from PTA maybe give them a call first and see if they have anything that might interest you.
Takamines are usually good bang for the buck. If you see a second hand Taylor Big Baby then pay it some attention.
