I went thru a similar search... sold a (cheaper, japanese production model) classical with high action and thought I would focus on the uke.
Then an
HMS episode featured a classical and a flamenco from Guitarras Romero which made me think I wanted a flamenco guitar. I was eyeing a bunch of different guitars from Guitar Salon.
Find Flamenco Guitars from the best guitar makers selected for their sound quality and originality.
www.guitarsalon.com
I ended up wandering into a local classical guitar store in Seattle and chatted with the clerk there. He had me try a bunch of guitars, both classical and flamenco. The clerk even had me stand across the room and played the guitars for me to hear. First time that service was provided for me and I really appreciated it.
He mentioned that flamenco guitars are meant to be more percussive and brighter, to cut over the accompanying instruments, so dancers could hear you.
I mentioned the desire to have lower action, for improved playability and he found a few examples of classical that had lower action and still the great classical sound that I was looking for. It also happened to be from a local Seattle luthier who is just starting building, as more of a hobbyist, so his work is meticulous but fairly priced! It felt and sounded right to me and I couldn't be happier with my decision. I just can't wait for it to age and continue to open up.
I don't know if a similar shop is available to you in The Bay, but maybe try Gryphon in Palo Alto. Aside from getting to feel some guitars, maybe you can ask some questions from experts and get pointed in the right directions.
They have some great ukes available there too! A cedar Kanilea and a Kinnard consigned by a fellow UU'er!
