That may be so in the USA kendall, but have you looked at the prices of second hand genuine George Lowden Lowdens anywhere near the UK lately?

I'm pretty sure, Backwoodsman, that even if you buy a Martin from a US Martin dealer, if you the buyer are outside the USA you don't get that warranty. I know that to be true of Eminence speakers and the US instrument distributors Saga, because I tried to claim off both on their warranties and was given the bum's rush simply because I was in the UK.   

Blackheath - yes, it has gone. It was the expensive place under the railway arches near the Greek and Indian restaurants and the Old Mill.