Lowden’s midsize S body, here in Claro Walnut and Cedar, offers the right amount of warmth for a fingerstyle approach but not at the cost of projection and bark for flatpicking. In fact, we found this 2015 40th Anniversary S-35 to respond beautifully to picks. You don’t find that every day in a smaller guitar, but this Lowden manages to defy expectations left and right.

Number four in Lowden’s limited 40th Anniversary line, this S-35 commemorates George Lowden’s journey in lutherie over four decades, and bears that designation on both the label and the backstrap. The box is bound in Maple, 1 3/4” bone nut, split saddles, and the whole operation weighs in just under four pounds.

This Lowden S-35 more than fits the bill if you need a smaller guitar with lots of punch and breezy playability.

Other spellings: lowdon, lawden, s35

All stops were pulled out for this gorgeous 40th Anniversary Lowden. Brazilian Rosewood bass to make your cry, crisp Adirondack Spruce trebles to dry those tears, and a thin satin neck to make you weep all over again.

This is a non-cutaway F-50 that’s tuned with the fingerstylist in mind. Observing the clarity and even response across the registers, not to mention the slinky playability, it’s obvious this gem sings exceptionally well with a fingerstylist’s touch. Naturally, DADGAD and other dropped tunings sounded lush, and the slightly longer 25.5” scale kept the play feel crisp and responsive in those lowered tunings. The Maple figure of the arm bevel cuts a gorgeous contrast against the Adi grain and chocolate-rich Brazilian. Lowden’s trademark split saddles are nestled in a dark Rosewood bridge.

Only 100 of these guitars were ever built, and George Lowden personally attended to the voicing and setup of each one. There certainly won’t be any others quite like them again. For a piece of Lowden history for the ages, this 40th Anniversary F-50 marries dark Brazilian Rosewood with creamy Adirondack Spruce, is trimmed in Maple, and finished in satin–you’re hard-pressed to find a finer Lowden.

There are Lowdens, and then there are Lowdens. This 1996 F23 we have in the shop is the latter: bold, bright tone, lightweight construction, heavy duty projection. Part of George Lowden’s Original Series, this F23 has more punch and focus than its O23 counterparts, but all their depth. As a result, the F23 is very responsive, with a hearty, dry tone that is electric for flatpicks and balanced for fingerstyle arrangements. With great string-to-string articulation, combined with the Claro Walnut’s dryness, this guitar can cut through the mix and works wonderfully for the solo guitarist seeking an instrument which can project all that articulation cleanly and expressively. Complete with the original Hiscox hardshell case (adorned with white bars and “fragile” images), this F23 is ready for years and years of great music.

Lowden’s RT Signature Model combines the craftsmanship of Lowden guitars with the discerning requirements of the 1991 Orville H. Gibson Award winner, famed British guitarist Richard Thompson, to produce a top-notch instrument with some interesting style. The back and sides are gorgeously figured Ziricote and are combined with a Red Cedar top for lots of sustain and warmth, and the F35 body is light with an attractive waist bound in Figured Tasmanian Blackwood. The Richard Thompson model has a tight response and great articulation, with a low-end that is clear and controlled. The middles absolutely sing, and the trebles are well-balanced with slight bell-like overtones. Of course, if this guitar was built for Thompson, you know it’s going to sound just right in lowered tunings, especially DADGAD, where the entire voice fleshes out and achieves a chorus-like effect. This guitar comes with the original Hiscox hardshell case.

This Lowden S-32 has an even and level voice that is fun for a whole host of playing styles. Made with choice Indian Rosewood and lovely variegated Sitka Spruce, the bass and mids have excellent pop for funky, bluesy picking and the trebles are dry and crisp, great for articulate fingerstyle pieces. This one has a custom slotted headstock and upgraded tuners that really add to the overall aesthetic of the instrument. Come try it today and see why everyone is raving about the Lowden line!

Here we have a Lowden O-32 in Indian Rosewood and Sitka Spruce. This one is a great tonemaker, with full, forward trebles and big, happenin’ bass. A light touch brings you great volume and the shimmery notes that it produces have excellent sustain. With its diamond pattern inlays and legendary Lowden durability, this is a workhorse guitar that you’ll want to show off, too!

Here we have a superb mint condition Lowden F-35 Myrtlewood and Cedar from 2001. This wood combination is spectacular and offers a powerful voice that also has great depth and warmth. As a bonus harmonics just leap out of this guitar. The Maple neck feel and looks great and adds to natural wooden beauty of this mid-sized Lowden guitar. Lovingly cared for and aged to perfection this is definitely better than new in that it is really awake and giving all the tone it has to offer. If you have ever dreamed of a unique and special Lowden this could be for you.

This is a grand Lowden F-50C custom in highly figured Claro Walnut and topped with Red Cedar. The 50 series represents the Custom Shop at George Lowden guitars. They reserve their finest woods and they are hand crafted by their best crafstpeople. This beauty includes Tasmanian Blackwood trim further enhancing the natural beauty of the fine woods. There is also an armrest Bevel, a DTAR Mag Mic pickup system and it comes with a Hoffee Carbon Fiber Flight Case, our favorite.

So how does a custom shop Lowden sound…. like the best Lowden you’ve ever heard. This guitar is huge and warm, yet the Walnut keeps it articulate and punchy. This guitar is extremely satisfying played fingerstyle and melodies come to life, but it’s a great strummer also, full and warm with just enough push. If you want the best that Lowden Guitar can do, this is for you!