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!

Here we have a rare preowned George Lowden F-Series “Lucky Strike” Limited Edition guitar. This is #4 of only 10 ever made. The key feature of this model is the exceptional “Lucky Strike” Redwood Top (see story below) which is paired with extremely old Brazilian Rosewood for robust, round tones that are full and deeply resonant. The Brazilian is reclaimed and the mahogany neck is from old Church Pews as well, making this entire guitar as ‘green’ as it is wonderful sounding. Hand written on the back of the headstock is ‘Lucky Strike’ indicating that all the woods here are from George Lowden’s reserve stash of his very best tonewoods. A rare and special sounding Lowden for sure.

From the Lowden Website: ” ….. using George’s last reserved soundboard sets from the famous ‘Lucky Strike’ Log . This was a ‘fall down’ (ie. not felled) log of exceptional quality from Humbolt County. Some say it was struck by lightening! It was given its name by the specialist redwood supplier Alicia Carter . She and her husband (who was himself a luthier) hunted the forests for undiscovered ‘fall down’ logs. They would then apply to the US authorities for permission to use them – this permission was not always granted . But whenever they did get permission, they would go into the forest and cut the log ‘in situ’. Often they gave the log a name according to the nature of what they found when it was cut – The Lucky Strike log was so named because every single soundboard cut from this log was of exceptional quality – the grain of the redwood is superb. The Brazilian Rosewood we use is reclaimed wood, as is our special neckwood from ‘Church Pew Mahogany’. The sound is very well balanced and piano-like. It is very loud, very clear and has loads of sustain – we counted 25 seconds!”

Here’s one of the famous Lowden O-32 models. A Jumbo body of Indian Rosewood and Sitka Spruce that produces a big, clear Lowden voice. The trebles are bright and strong and bass is resounding. This one has been played and has normal wear, but it also has the great tone that a well played guitar embodies. The neck is straight and it plays great.