Alas, Richard, the chap in question is the friend of a friend who actually made an exception to fix my guitar as a favour. His wife wants him to take on less work and he is about 300 miles north of you. Sorry I cannot help out on this occasion but I really need to protect the friendship in r/l

I am sure you will understand.

Are there no decent luthirs in the south that can assist? I'm afraid I know no-one else

mp