Thanks all for the tips/names given so far -- keep 'em coming if you haven't chimed in. I love reading about some of these makers on their web sites.

Another question for choosing a maker, and I suppose for a bamboo novice, buying any bamboo rod -- how do you know whether a rod maker's style will suit you? I see a number of the makers mentioned (AJ Thramer, Art Weiler) make "replica" classics, such as Garrison or Leonard tapers. With no access to a Garrison or a Leonard, how do I know if I will like the rod? And for that matter, I presume no two rod maker's have the same idea of what a "medium" or "medium/fast" rod action should be. Suggestions?