Well.
I am the proud owner of a Fylde Bouzouki.
And also, a very early Sobell Cittern.
Both made (obviously) in England. North East and North West to be precise.
I'm sure that neither Roger Bucknall (Fylde) or Stefan Sobell (Sobell) would claim that they dug up the idea from the earth beneath them.
I'm sure that they are just 20th century versions of instruments whose provenance is certainly European at least.
Jolly nice they are too. Have just been playing mine!
I think now that we have pilloried WAV enough.
It's not his fault.
May this thread rest In Peace.