I've just Googled Yasuma Newance out of curiosity over a mandolin I have owned for over 25 years, having bought it from a friend (for £30 I think). Like contributors above (11.10.07 and 02.10.09) I've been intrigued by its history. I can't find a model number but at the machine heads 'K Yasuma' is written in an arc in fancy script with 'NEWANCE' in capitals beneath it and inside 'K.Yasuma, Yasuma Musical Co. Nagoya Japan'. It has 'f' holes and the neck joins the body at the 10th fret. It is my second mandolin to a Stefan Sobell but plays very nicely and has a crisp clear sound across the full range. I refretted it some 15 years ago and it has a nice light action when used with D'Addario J74 strings. Clearly it's not in the same league as the SS but as an every day instrument to throw in the back of the car when travelling it's great. I've found the discussion thread here very interesting!