Guitar Companies You Might Not Know About #2 Lowden
- Braemen Palmer
- Mar 6, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 7, 2023
A look into 10 guitar companies in 10 days - Day 2
LOWDEN GUITARS
Meticulously crafted guitars from Northern Ireland's finest guitar luthiers.
Elegant and refined while packing a serious punch. Most people who play a Lowden for the first time often come away with that sentiment. Lowden Guitars is renowned for its exceptional sound, quality craftsmanship, and innovative design. Founded by George Lowden in Northern Ireland in 1974, Lowden Guitars has become one of the most respected names in the world of acoustic guitars.
If you have seen Ed Sheeran play live with what looks to be a small parlor guitar and wonder how he is getting such a loud and distinct sound? Well, the answer is Lowden. Lowdens have been Sheeran's guitar of choice when writing and performing. The two have become so synonymous that Lowden agreed to make its one and only more mass-produced guitar bearing the musician's name.
History of Lowden Guitars
George Lowden began his career as a guitar builder by crafting instruments for local musicians in the early 1970s. In 1974, he opened his own workshop in County Down, Northern Ireland, and began producing guitars under the name "Lowden Guitars."
Lowden's early designs were heavily influenced by the Martin guitars of the 1930s and '40s, but he quickly developed his own unique style. He experimented with new shapes and bracing patterns. In 1980, he introduced his now-famous "F" model, which features a larger, more curvaceous body shape and a unique bracing system that enhances sustain and tonal balance.
Throughout the 1980s and '90s, Lowden Guitars gained a reputation for producing some of the finest acoustic guitars in the world. The company's guitars were used by artists like Pierre Bensusan, Paul Brady, and Eric Clapton, who famously played a Lowden during his MTV Unplugged performance.
Popular Lowden Guitar Models
1. Lowden F-50
The Lowden F-50 is a flagship model that has become a favorite among many professional musicians. Standard features include a Sitka Spruce top, figured Maple back and sides, and a five-piece Mahogany/Rosewood neck. The F-50's sound is bright and articulate, with a tight bass response and clear highs. It also has excellent sustain and projection, making it a great choice for fingerstyle players and those needing a guitar to cut through a mix.
2. Lowden S-35
The Lowden S-35 is a smaller-bodied guitar that is ideal for players who want a more intimate playing experience. Standard features include a Cedar top, Indian Rosewood back and sides, and a Mahogany neck. The S-35's sound is warm and rich, with a strong midrange and balanced highs and lows. It's also incredibly responsive, making it easy to play both fingerstyle and strumming styles.
3. Lowden O-35
The Lowden O-35 is a mid-sized guitar that is versatile enough to handle a wide range of playing styles. Standard features include a Cedar top, Indian Rosewood back and sides, and a Mahogany neck. The O-35's sound is well-balanced, with a warm low end, clear highs, and a punchy midrange. It's also incredibly dynamic, responding well to changes in playing style and intensity.
4. Lowden Wee Lowden
The Lowden Wee Lowden is a travel-sized guitar that is perfect for musicians who need a high-quality instrument that can fit in a small space. Standard features include a Cedar top, Indian Rosewood back and sides, and a Mahogany neck. Despite its small size, the Wee Lowden has a surprisingly big sound accompanied by a warm and rich tone that belies its diminutive stature. It's also incredibly comfortable to play, making it a great choice for players who need a guitar they can take on the road.
5. Lowden F-35
The Lowden F-35 is a mid-sized guitar that is similar in size and shape to the O-35 but with a slightly different tonal character. Standard base features include a Cedar top, Indian Rosewood back and sides, and a Mahogany neck. The F-35's sound is warm and rich, with a strong midrange and a full-bodied tone perfect for fingerstyle playing. It also has excellent projection and sustain, making it a great choice for players who need a guitar that can hold its own in a live setting. The F-35 is also the preferred model for unique and exotic woods. VCV has its very own unique F-35. The guitar's top is made from Alpine Spruce, while the back and sides are a single piece of stunning Honduran Mahogany! Click the link below to check it out!