Well, I'm still looking to play more Lowdens. Was in Tuscon for business and was disappointed that the Lowden dealer out there was completely out of stock. Limped back home and surfed some more til I came upon http://www.egroups.com/files/lowden-l/cult/index.html (sorry, I'll learn how to do the blue clicky in the next session). Anyway, these folks may be able to account for some of the Japanese Lowdens.

In reviewing the excellent advice given in this thread (play a bunch of guitars), remembering something about monetary exchange rates and the fact my family would be interested in a trip to Ireland, can anyone direct me to a list of Lowden dealers in Ireland or England (preferably one with lots of Lowden guitars)? Has anyone made any price comparisons for buying in the US versus buying abroad? Have I lost my friggin mind?