Norman's were the forerunners of Simon & Patrick/Seagull guitars - Robert Godin bought into Normand Boucher's operation after a fire threatened to put Boucher out of business. After Normand's death Godin carried on the business and Simon & Patrick guitars are selling in their thousands. They are basically the same guitars - just different names/slightly different designs.

Lowden's should be played and heard to be believed. As a fingerpicker I have to agree with Grab. Don't buy an Avalon guitar and expect the same quality though. Lowden's are available on Ebay - but don't expect to get one for less than £1000 (what's that - approx $1800?)