Not really a lot else I can say Mick - I couldn't tell you what top's the Freshwaters I tried had. All I can say is that the intruments I mentioned were in a friend's music shop and I sometimes used to pick them up and play them when I went in. I found the Fylde's (I don't know models) easier to play but I would often pick the Freshwater's up because I found the sound more rewarding - a very subjective and personal thing.

Oh and if you like deep sounds and mandolin-type instruments, keep your eye out for a mando-cello. The one I tried (a Gibson) was VERY hard work but the sound it produced made it worth the effort.

Jon