Hear, Hear, Mandotim!!

Can't say enough about custom mades. You say you are willing to sink some cash into this one - can you also spare some time?? Having a custom made is as close to heaven as I'll get down here. You can choose which wood you want for your top - same with sides and back, inlay or no inlay, what type of tuners you want, how you want the neck shaped, the list goes on. If you choose a luthier close to you, you also have the advantage of going to the "nursery" and watching your "baby" come into existance piece by piece.

In addition, you will be helping to promote a dying art and also help a true artisan stay in business a little while longer.

Freightdawg