I see the Saga instruments are mentioned.

I have one. A Kentucky flatiron (Japanese built, according to the label on the headstock). Plays easy, and is nice and bright. It was about GBP 300, which is not that cheap. I bought it new from the well-known (to UK Banjo players) Andy Perkins who has a shop. He is a retailer of musical instruments. Inside the soundhole is a card with a guarantee "Kentucky Mandolins are guaranteed to the original purchaser for a period of one year under the terms of our warranty".

The top on mine split in 6 months. I traced Saga in Los Angeles and telephoned, all the way from the UK. In fact I telephoned several times to argue with them. Basically they did not want to know. They were not prepared to do a damn thing for me - even after I told them that I was a lawyer.

My advice to you is never, never, ever, buy anything (Mandolin or anything else) which has come through Saga. They will rat on any obligations they may have to you. Tell your friends. Anyone who takes that attitude to the instruments they supply ought not to be in business.

And if you work for Saga, or know anyone who does, forward this to them. Every word in it is true.