Dear Jed,

I've heard some very fine sounding Sobells indeed but also a few I haven't cared for at all. The trouble is he has a long waiting list and what you get is what you get. Every instrument is slightly different due to the combinations of different woods and their quality. Stephan Sobell's workmanship is of course of the highest standard.

I prefer to be able to try out an instrument before buying and I've been able fortunately to do that with the three luthier-made instruments I have.

Best regards

mooman