Wow, how can anyone afford a guitar over there if you're not rich? I'm trying to figure out the price conversion. As far as I can tell 1 pound=1.50 US=2.25 Cdn. Looking at the moderate-price range Martins at Thrift music, "moderate" is a strange term. For example, a Martin D-1 is about the same price in pounds (1029) as it is in dollars here. Much less differential on the standard models, D18's or D28's are only slightly more expensive over there--I would pay 2500-3000 Cdn for a new one here.I don't know about the comparisons of service industry though. People have made the same comments about the difference in quality of service between US and Canadian stores, but I have found the same extreme range of quality in both countries. It's not a national trait.
But hey you UK based Catters, if you must have a D1, let me know. I'll be making the trip sometime. (Or maybe I'll bring my O18 and sell it to extend my stay). Not real soon unfortunately.
W-O