Northstar???

[Voxguy]

There's a local ad on Craigslist for a NORTHSTAR custom made guitar (fromm Vancouver, CANADA). The guy claims that it is much better than anything else (Collings, Martin, Taylor,etc.).

It looks to be a little bigger than a grand concert (000 Martin) with a single cutaway. I don't recall any fancy trim, inlays or fret markers.
He wants $X,XXX and says its worth $X,XXX.

Anyone know anything about this maker?

[Ryan Alexander]

Never heard of them - and personally, it really turns me off when people use blanket statements like "much better than anything else (Collings, Martin, Taylor,etc.)" - foolishness.

[jalbert]

Any chance it's a Northwood? Those are made in British Columbia.

[justonwo]

Originally Posted by Ryan Alexander

Never heard of them - and personally, it really turns me off when people use blanket statements like "much better than anything else (Collings, Martin, Taylor,etc.)" - foolishness.

A big +1. Those kind of claims would give me pause.

[Rod True]

Never heard of them, I'm in the Vancouver area.

Got a link to the craigslist add?

[Scholar]

I'm guessing Northwood also. John McQuarrie's shop used to be out in Langley, which is not far outside Vancouver, until a few years ago. Then he moved lock, stock and barrel to Sorrento, BC where he continues to flourish, mostly because he's a honest and ridiculously painstaking craftsman who makes outstanding guitars.

I don't buy the whole comparative advertising thing. We're lucky enough to live in a time when there are so many great builders producing wonderful instruments. Figure out your preferences, listen for "that sound," and take your pick (or picks, as the case may be)...