Big Mick - Newtones aren't expensive, cheaper here (UK) than D'Addoribbles, Martins etc., and one-third the price of Elixirs.
I guess they may be expensive in the US because you're so far away from where they're made.

Newtones are unquestionably THE BEST- the dog's bolleaux, but Malcolm needs to get his production problems sorted soon, otherwise he might find people turning away. IMHO! :-)