1987 Bown Custom OM - Orchestra Model Acoustic Guitar
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Audio played by Al Petteway
Artists who play instruments by this builder: John Renbourn, Clive Carroll, Martin Simpson, Henry Kaiser, Allan Taylor
Ralph Bown is an English builder with clients such as John Renbourn, Martin Simpson and Clive Carroll. This beautiful instrument is Ziricote and Spruce for amazing drive and power. It's always amazing to us just how much tone Ralph can coax from mere wood. In addition to the tone this one is beautiful ornate with 45 style abalone, inlaid headstock, fingerboard, bridge and pickguard. A rare gem, at once inspirational, playable and collectible.
Ralph Bown is an English builder with clients such as John Renbourn, Martin Simpson and Clive Carroll. This beautiful instrument is Ziricote and Spruce for amazing drive and power. It's always amazing to us just how much tone Ralph can coax from ...read full description
- Woods & Trim
- Back/Sides: Ziricote
- Top Wood: Sitka Spruce
- Fingerboard: Ebony
- Neck Wood: Mahogany, 1 Piece
- Bridge: Ebony Belly , Inlaid with Abalone Snowflakes
- Rosette: Abalone
- Binding: Ivoroid
- Fingerboard Bindings: Curly Maple
- Headplate: Ebony
- Headstock Bindings: Curly Maple
- Headstock Inlay: Custom Torch
- Top Trim: 45 Style Abalone
- Back Strip: Marquetry
- Fret Markers: 45 Style Abalone
- Tuners: Bronze Gotoh 510s With Ebony Buttons, not original
- Measurements
- Body Size: Medium
- Scale: 25 2/5 in. (645.2 mm)
- Nut Width: 1 7/8 in. (47.6 mm)
- String Spacing: 2 5/16 in. (58.7 mm)
- Body Length: 19 1/4 in.
- Upper Bout: 11 1/8 in.
- Lower Bout: 15 in.
- Serial #: 75
- Body Depth @Neck Heel: 3 3/8 in.
- Body Depth @Tail Block: 4 1/8 in.
- Frets to body: 14
- Extras
- Cutaway: None
- Pickguard: Ebony Inlaid with Abalone
- Case: Calton Flight Case, Brown
- Pickup: None
- Condition: Excellent, tuners upgraded, few very tiny dings expected for age of instrument
Player Reviews:
"What a visually stunning guitar, from the banjo inspired torch headstock to the bridge snowflakes it is elegantly inlaid with vintage styling, truly striking. I especially like the inlaid ebony pickguard, a unique touch. The voice of this one is loud and strong. It's very quick and responsive with the energy of mature guitar. This one eats up the blues, rags and morphs beautiful to quiet Celtic pieces. Wider spacings and flatter board will be appreciated by the fingerstylist. Truly versatile, as an OM should be. There's a good reason some of the finest players in the world have Bown instruments and this one is very rare and special." - Paul Heumiller
