Aussie Commercial time! I've hust got to put in my tuppenceworth in this thread, even if I don't actually play strings.

If you live around the South East corner of Queensland, have a word with Doug Eaton and Dale Jacobsen of Stanley River Music. Their two person workshop produces mandolins, guitars, dulcimers (hammered and Apalachian) psalteries etc, mostly to order. I haven't heard of anyone being disappointed yet, and all of their instruments are widely recognised as excellent value and beautiful examples of craftsmanship. Phone 07 5499 9824 and say the drummer sent you......