Lowden guitars

Stevepage · August 2014

Recently I've been listening to a lot of acoustic music and checked out a few acoustic videos. I came across Lowden guitars and I think they're some of the most beautiful instruments made.

Now I'm not an acoustic player, though I have been itching to start taking it up, what do you guys think of them? Do any of you own them?

Moe_Zambeek · August 2014

I have an 023. I love the complexity of the tone and the construction is awesome. What I don't like so much is the neck profile, which is quite beefy, but I can live with it, the positives definitely outweigh the negatives for me. I really like their F size models too.

VimFuego · August 2014

fantastic guitars, you won't go wrong owning one.

ICBM · August 2014

They're beautifully made, and beautiful sounding - but they're a fingerpicker's/soloist's guitar really, not a strummer's. I had an O10 years ago, which I loved when played by itself but it had no punch in a band mix. Too delicate-sounding for my clumsy thrashing, and the volume in the sound is at the very bottom end not the midrange, so it gets lost easily. They suit open 'Celtic' style tunings more than any other guitar I've heard though, except maybe for McIlroy. (McIlroy used to work for Lowden originally.)

Be careful if you're buying an older Lowden, the company has been through a few changes and not all the guitars are 'proper' Lowdens - some were made under licence, and although they're not bad, they're not in the same league as the handmade Lowdens and are worth a fraction of the price. But you can also quite often find bargains if you don't mind wear and tear - a lot of folk players seem to treat their instruments very badly, and Lowdens don't escape unfortunately.

Gassage · August 2014

I had an LSE1 and sold it due to money issues. Simply the best acoustic ever. Amazing power

Brize · August 2014

I have a recent F32SE and it's a wonderful guitar. Sound, playability, build quality - everything's top notch. It's a great strummer as well.

xSkarloey · August 2014

I've never had the pleasure of playing one, but two of my favourite players use them: Richard Thompson and Pierre Bensusan.

Check out some of Bensusan's stuff on Youtube if you can.

Bensusan is a soloist par excellence. I've seen him live a few times and what's striking about his Lowden is its ability to project single notes beautifully.

Bucket · August 2014

This guy makes some very pretty noises with a Lowden baritone.

stickyfiddle · August 2014

The other guitarist in my old band had one. Lovely thing. Not to my taste but a very good instrument and impeccably built.

CHRISB50 · August 2014

Moe_Zambeek said:

I have an 023. I love the complexity of the tone and the construction is awesome. What I don't like so much is the neck profile, which is quite beefy, but I can live with it, the positives definitely outweigh the negatives for me. I really like their F size models too.

Are there different neck profiles? I'm presuming so, but does anyone who has tried a few have an opinion?

I liked the chunkiness of my R8, but the bastard thing gave me RSI (well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it ). I've never had that issue with slimmer necks.

I quite like the idea of one of these, but need to get round to trying one out.

VimFuego · August 2014

It's been a few years since I've played one but I don't recall the necks being hugely thick. Think the thickest neck I've played was a reissue LP (dunno what sort, gold top one) that had a neck like a tree trunk, and the lowden necks are nowhere near that chunky. As I said though, been at least 6 years since I played one, so take with a lorry load of salt.

I think once you try one out you will be hooked. I still regret not buying one when I had the chance (I'm even thinking of taking a job for a few months to save up the cash for one!!!).

Brize · August 2014

I think there's a standard Lowden neck profile, although that's likely to have changed over the years. My F32SE has a slightly slimmer neck than standard which feels absolutely perfect. I wouldn't want it any bigger so it strikes me as understandable that people might find the standard Lowden profile to be a bit on the big side.

streethawk · August 2014

There's one around the corner from me for a grand.

http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/lowden-guitar/1075588430

Also, Avalon guitars (ex Lowden luthiers) is close by and rumour has it they discount for local buyers.

http://www.avalonguitars.com/

ourmaninthenorth · August 2014

Had both the 025 & 035. Why had you may ask? because I'm a pillock, and thought the grass was indeed greener.

Pound for pound I think they're one of the best you can buy.

Another 025 is the absolute top of my list.

[-O<

xSkarloey · August 2014

There's a feature article on Lowden guitars in this month's Acoustic magazine (issue with James Dean Bradfield on the cover). Might be of use for further info.

Evilmags · August 2014

Had one for over 20 years. It is never going to be sold

mellowsun · August 2014

They are great guitars but you have to try them all and find the model that suits you best. I prefer the S model the most overall. The F models are good both for strumming and fingerstyle, but the body depth can be hard to get on with after extended playing. The O models really don't do strumming well, and are best for DADGAD really.

I've had all 3 models, and kept the S but sold the F and the O. They keep their value though - I sold the F model after 12 months for what I paid for it new, as the new prices had risen about 20% during that time, although prices are more stable now.

CHRISB50 · August 2014

For Lowden money I think you'd have to try them all.

There don't seem to be as many S's available compared O's and F's. I don't think I've ever actually seen an S actually (I'm left handed though).

I was speaking to Guitar Guitar about Lowdens a couple of weeks ago and they were saying that demand tends to outstrip supply.

digitalkettle · August 2014

I can recommend Sheehans in Leicester...great selection/environment/staff...massive amounts of patience...take some pack-up: you could be there a while.

Evilmags · August 2014

VimFuego;313555" said:
It's been a few years since I've played one but I don't recall the necks being hugely thick. Think the thickest neck I've played was a reissue LP (dunno what sort, gold top one) that had a neck like a tree trunk, and the lowden necks are nowhere near that chunky. As I said though, been at least 6 years since I played one, so take with a lorry load of salt.I think once you try one out you will be hooked. I still regret not buying one when I had the chance (I'm even thinking of taking a job for a few months to save up the cash for one!!!).

Mine has a very playable neck. Not at all baseball bat like.

Lowden designed his instruments from the ground up. They do not sound like American acoustics.

steveh · August 2014

I play 90% acoustic these days and have had a lot of experience with Lowdens.

I fingerpick and am partial to slow airs etc. IMHO they are hands down the best "factory" guitar out there. For my purposes they knock the sh*t out of Collings, Martin etc. Why? Because they're voiced completely differently. As others have said, not an American sound at all - far less fundamental and more overtone; that's why they don't strum great.

My personal fave is the F25. The "25" is the archetypal Lowden wood combo and the F size gives it a bit more focus without losing too much bottom end (aka S). The 0 is a BIG guitar.

I only got rid of mine because I went the sole luthier route (Sobell, Bown, Kostal, Traugott etc.). Therein lies madness and poverty.

mellowsun · August 2014

btw Steve I see you are in Watford, not too far from me. You're welcome to give my Lowden a try if you're in the EN2 area.

ToneControl · September 2014

steveh said:

I play 90% acoustic these days and have had a lot of experience with Lowdens.

I fingerpick and am partial to slow airs etc. IMHO they are hands down the best "factory" guitar out there. For my purposes they knock the sh*t out of Collings, Martin etc. Why? Because they're voiced completely differently. As others have said, not an American sound at all - far less fundamental and more overtone; that's why they don't strum great.

My personal fave is the F25. The "25" is the archetypal Lowden wood combo and the F size gives it a bit more focus without losing too much bottom end (aka S). The 0 is a BIG guitar.

I only got rid of mine because I went the sole luthier route (Sobell, Bown, Kostal, Traugott etc.). Therein lies madness and poverty.

Try some other, smaller, USA makers. Some are stunning, e.g. Goodall, Bourgeois

the bigger makers find it very hard to match these guys

CHRISB50 · September 2014

I recently bought an O22C.

As has been said the O is a big guitar but the size doesn't take much getting used to.

I spent a couple of hours A B ing it with an F25.

Both are superb guitars but the 22 had more going on with the tone. The F25 sounded more focused, punchy and clinical but I really liked the depth and airiness of the 22.

The neck is wide but not too chunky. I find it very comfortable and I don't have massive hands.

The build quality is the best I have seen on any guitar. It's flawless.

I don't think you could really go wrong with a Lowden. The tone, attention to detail etc. is out of this world. For the money though you definitely need to get out and try some.

AuldReekie · September 2014

Try a MciLroy, made in Co Antrim and an ex Lowden luthier. If you like Lowdens, you'll love his guitars. I have an A30 model. Not Lowden like but even better IMHO are Nigel Forsters guitars, absolutely superb and best acoustic I have ever played or owned. Also top bloke to deal with

mitch · October 2014

I played some superb Lowdens yesterday at my local shop. I am lucky to live near Project Music in Exeter and they have a superb O35 in stock at the moment with stunning Koa back and sides. I have been a big fan of the Lowden sound and the Lowden build for many years and to me they just seam to keep getting better. they must of had around 10 in stock so I was a bit spoilt for choice.

Check this selection out

http://www.projectmusic.net/lowden-1197-c.asp

These guys offered me a great deal so I am sure they are worth having a chat to if you are looking to save a few pounds. Every one I picked up was superb but I really did like the Koa back and sides O35

CHRISB50 · October 2014

mitch;376578" said:
I played some superb Lowdens yesterday at my local shop. I am lucky to live near Project Music in Exeter and they have a superb O35 in stock at the moment with stunning Koa back and sides. I have been a big fan of the Lowden sound and the Lowden build for many years and to me they just seam to keep getting better. they must of had around 10 in stock so I was a bit spoilt for choice.Check this selection outhttp://www.projectmusic.net/lowden-1197-c.aspThese guys offered me a great deal so I am sure they are worth having a chat to if you are looking to save a few pounds. Every one I picked up was superb but I really did like the Koa back and sides O35

Koa is lovely. Did you buy it?

VimFuego · October 2014

FFS, will you lot please stop talking about lowden guitars? There's only so much temptation a man can take!!!

Octahedron · October 2014

Bucket said:

This guy makes some very pretty noises with a Lowden baritone.

What I wanna know is whether the camera inside the guitar had a notable impact on the tone.

mitch · October 2014

Hi chris.

I want it. Have been thinking about that O35 all weekend. Its also a great price. I have taken a look at other similar Lowdens and this one at Project Music is a very Good deal. Prob is I just cant afford it right now. My heart tells me I need that Lowden in my life but my head keeps reminding me I need a new car maybe a bit more. If its still around in a month or two I am going to try and pull the trigger on it but I suspect it may go fast at that price. Sounds amazing.

CHRISB50 · October 2014

Hello Mitch, Koa is such a nice wood. Very pretty too. With regards to Lowden Guitars, they are pretty special. As I've said above I've got an O22C and it's really really good. At the end of the day money for living comes before money for guitars! But I hope you find the cash, and manage to pick up the O35. It looks lovely.

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