Sorry to be late to the party with this one
but i've only just noticed it.
There are a handful of really good UK builders of nice cane rods, as Rob mentions Edward Barder is one of the best and Tom Moran is the man behind the new Hardy rods.
Both guys make beautiful rods and they represent the top end of the market in the UK.
A couple of very good builders that are less known but just as good, are Luke Bannister at
www.splitcane.co.uk and Tim Harris at
www.harrisflyrods.co.uk. I've not spoken to Luke but his reputation is excellant
and his rods are very nice indeed with some rather sweet tapers. Tim and I have spoken to many times and he is a really nice guy
he also turns out some very nice rods
He is a Talent waiting to be discovered and his rods are a bit of a bargain.
Personally i'd be avoiding anything with a major brand label as they are generally overpriced compared to the ones that are made specifically for you.
I have a soft spot for some of the classic rods (Payne and Dickerson tapers), and you will find, if you look at things like Len Codellas Bamboo list,
www.codella.com/binventory.htm you will find loads of great rods at good prices, most are as good as unused and I would certainly go for a Second hand Rod from a small maker such as Jennings, Maurer, Schroeder or many others over getting a big brand rod.
if you talk to Len he has loads of great advice and will suggest something for you that suits what you want it to do for whatever budget you have in mind. If i lived in the US, Len would be a good mate i think
Not sure what the wife would think of that though, it would get expensive.
Hope some of that helps, I'd give Len a Call if i were you before i spent any money
Cheers
Sandy
