I have had a peter coombe mando for years http://coombemandolins.bigpondhosting.com/ Peter's mandolins are based on the Gibson A model.. I have tried about 10 Gibson A's over the years, They're lovely mandos but, I never found one nicer than than mine (comparable to, but not nicer).....they're also cheaper!! Peter also seems to be doing a lot of international business these days too.. Moo