i play an 8 string zouk built by a luthier called joe foley from dublin exellent look and sound and unlike most other builders joe hand makes every instrument he sells long waiting list but well worth it mines made from brazilian rosewood back,sides ansd sound irish walnut neck use gdad tuning sobell and fylde are brand names made on production lines in factories not acctually built by the person that puts their name to it thats why i personally chose a foley