I'm SO glad that you have finally managed to meet each other!!!!!!!!
I was quite nervous when I went to Hilversum to collect The Dragon's Wing - I was going to meet Oliver and also Edwin, of course. I had no need to worry - both Edwin and Oliver speak near perfect English and they are both great guys!!!!
Oliver's Spyder is SO well balanced - when I held it for the first time, I wasn't sure what to expect. But it just - well - it was right (too heavy for me to play for any amount of time though - the result of a car accident 10 years ago and some damage to my lower back). It is a fantastic instrument - ask Oliver, I waved goodbye to his Spyder, I was so taken with it, when it was time to end our time together!
I believe that Oliver is now playing DR strings but I couldn't be sure of the gauge.
I would say to anyone who is considering something a little different regarding shape - have the power of your convictions - after all - look what came my way!
Rog