I also learned about the T2V8 Sun from Got a Ukulele. I don’t really care about the sun engraving, but the instrument itself etched itself into my brain. Someone on Barry’s “I Got a Ukulele” Facebook group mentioned the T2V8 and I posted that I would be interested in one, but there are no US dealers. Mark Pugh, the owner of Stones Music, the UK distributor for Baton Rouge, reached out to me and let me know that he could ship one when they came in (at the time, the model was switching walnut for rosewood), and I placed an order. It was a top notch experience.
My instrument cost more than the aforementioned $170. With shipping, exchange rate, setup (not charged0and extras (Mark has his own brand of strings, Jumping Cow fluorocarbons...for all 8 strings—no wound...2 strap buttons...and a leather strap), the cost worked out to be £197.16, which is currently $273. I’m okay with it, knowing the work Mark does...and the exchange rate was better in August when I bought it (about $255).
It’s a wonderful instrument—even as a “laminate” (gasp)—and part of the enjoyment is the set-up that Mark does. Another local person in our group played mine and ordered one, too.
When you have an 8-string that is set up properly, it is no more difficult to play than a four string. So when I see the threads discussing bad experiences with 8-strings, I am 100% certain that it has to do with setup.