Gillymor, regarding custom string sets, we have the same offers in the UK. Strings Direct for guitar, they'll do sets to your specification
And also, for other stringed instruments, Eagle Music in Huddersfield..


D'Addario and Newtone are getting mentions, although Elixir are good for players whose hands 'kill' strings, like mine. And what about Martin Retro? They seem to last añd last.

Cheers

Fred