Guitarrrr PDF
Guitarrrr PDF
Guitarrrr PDF
HOW TO USE
THIS GUIDE
1
FOREWORD
world for the finest woods and tweak both the designs and the
George Lowden
2 3
THE LOWDEN
BODY SHAPE
O F S WL
(The Original) (Flatpicking) (Small body) (Wee Lowden)
The first standard soundbox design created The ‘F’ model was first designed Originally designed in 1994 for The Wee Lowden was designed
by George (after much experimenting) in 1982 and then redesigned in Nick Webb of Acoustic Alchemy, by George to be a guitar that is
in 1976 and the design has remained 2003. The smaller soundbox shape the S model is, tonally, the most as compact as possible without
unaltered since. The second largest of the produces more projection and surprising of the Lowden range. compromising tone. To that end the
Lowden models after the Baritone, the midrange response than the ‘O’ Normally, small guitars have low Wee Lowden has a 610mm scale
‘O’ has been likened to a ‘Jumbo’ style making it perfect for flat pickers but volume and and have a tendency length, but the internal bracing
guitar. While at first glance this may seem it has also found its way into the to sound boxy. However, the ’S’ is arranged for maximum bass
accurate, the ‘O’, like all Lowdens, has a hands of finger style players, blues is possibly the loudest of all the response, a common short coming
unique design and voice of it’s own. The guitarists and others. The soundbox Lowden models, having a bass of other small guitars.
soundbox geometry and the voicing of geometry is designed, and the response and sustain that defies its
the bracing are both designed to increase bracing voiced to have a flat bias, size. The ’S’ is designed and braced
treble response, which balances the natural favouring neither treble or bass. for Bass bias.
bass-heavy tonal characteristics of such
large-bodied guitars.
4 5
THE CORE
COLLECTION
The Core Collection is comprised of three series’ that
make up the backbone of the Lowden range.
F
32
6 7
MODEL
LABELLING
Each Lowden model (except for the Stage Edition) is labelled with the
body size first: O, F, S or WL. Then a number designates the model (for
the original series) or the series (35 and 50) of the guitar. In the 35 and 50
series’ two sets of two letters separated by a ‘/‘ signify the woods used for
the back and sides and the top respectively.
For special models (The Jazz, the ‘F-35ff KO/RW’ = A guitar from the 35
Baritone and the Stage edition) please series in the ‘F’ body size with the Fan
see below for labelling information. Fret option.
There are also letters that describe the ‘S-50c ff x AB/RW’ = A 50 series guitar in
custom options or that the guitar is part the S body size with African Blackwood
of the Jazz series: back and sides, a Redwood top, a
‘c’= Cutaway cutaway, the Fan Fret option, and a non-
‘ff ’= Fan Fret standard custom option (eg. a custom
‘J’= Jazz fingerboard inlay or a custom neck
‘x’= Non-standard custom option width).
F
35
8 9
ORIGINAL SERIES
THE ORIGINAL
SERIES
Unlike the 35 and 50 series’, each Original Series model has its own two-number
model designation: the 22, the 23, the 25 and the 32. The Original series features
understated aesthetic appointments; a seven-piece wood rosette, single piece
binding and three-piece purfling on the top, rosewood front-head facing and an
ebony fingerboard.
22: 25:
Size available: O, F and WL Sizes available: O, F, S and WL
Back and sides: Mahogany Back and sides: Indian Rosewood
Top: Cedar Top: Cedar
Bindings: Sycamore Bindings: Mahogany
Purfling: Sycamore, Rosewood Purfling: Sycamore, Rosewood
and Mahogany and Mahogany
Neck: 5 piece Mahogany with Neck: Five piece Mahogany
Maple splices with Rosewood splices
23: 32:
Sizes available: O, F and S Sizes available: O, F and S
Back and sides: Walnut Back and sides: Indian Rosewood
Top: Cedar Top: Sitka Spruce
Bindings: Sycamore Bindings: Sycamore
Purfling: Sycamore, Rosewood Purfling: Sycamore, Rosewood
and Mahogany and Mahogany
Neck: Five piece Mahogany Neck: Five piece Mahogany
with Rosewood splices with Rosewood splices
0
25
10 11
ORIGINAL SERIES
BACK AND SIDES
SOUNDBOARD
Fan Fret
Left 12 String Cutaway Custom
Handed O, F All models Neck
models only except WL
and 12 string Pickup
12 13
35 SERIES
35 SERIES
The woods used in the 35 series are also of the top, an abalone/ebony rosette, a maple
a higher grade (always AAAA if not higher) bound ebony fingerboard, ebony front and
and the aesthetic appointments are more back headstock facings and a 1mm thick
complex. back centre seam. 35 Series models also
benefit from upgraded tuners in the form of
The bindings of the 35 Series are usually gold Gotoh 510 machine heads.
figured maple or Tasmanian Blackwood,
depending on what looks best with the Finally, the 35 series also has more custom
back and sides and top. 35 Series guitars options than the Original Series, as listed
also have purflings on the sides as well as on page 19.
F
35C
14 15
35 SERIES
F
35
F S
35 35
16 17
35 SERIES
BACK AND SIDES SOUNDBOARD
East Indian Rosewood Claro/Bastogne Walnut Chechen Red Cedar Sitka Spruce Redwood
Tasmanian Blackwood Madagascar Rosewood Guatemalan Rosewood Adirondack Alpine Spruce Lutz Spruce
Moreover, the woods that are used are highly figured wood bindings, purflings
Master Grade tone woods; the best of the on the top, sides and back, a seven piece
best tone woods available anywhere chosen hand inlaid back centre seam, an abalone
for their exceptional tonal and visual and figured wood rosette, a maple bound
properties. ebony fingerboard and ebony front and
back head facings. Several custom options
The aesthetic appointments become even are available in the 50 series that are not
more complex and intricate in this series; available in the 35 or Original Series.
S
50
20 21
50 SERIES
BACK AND SIDES BACK AND SIDES
East Indian Rosewood Bastogne Walnut Fiddleback Mahogany Ziricote Ancient Cuban Mahogany African Blackwood
Tasmanian Blackwood Honduras Rosewood Madagascar Rosewood Ancient Bog Oak Reclaimed Brazilian Rosewood*
(CITES certified))
* Rare woods such as Brazilian Rosewood can not be guaranteed to be Master Grade
* Shades of wood and the wood grain may vary from images shown.
22 23
50 SERIES
SOUNDBOARD
* Shades of wood and the wood grain may vary from images shown.
F
50C
24 25
50 SERIES
NECK WOODS
Maple
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
50 SERIES
See full list of options available on page 68
Maple
Neck
Pickup Fan Fret Inlay Packages Gold Waverly Tuners
F
50
Soundbox bevel
26 27
28
F
50
50 SERIES
29
JAZZ COLLECTION
THE JAZZ COLLECTION
Based on the ’S’ model, the Jazz model is a nylon string
‘cross-over’ model that is designed to be used for a variety of
playing styles.
The neck is wide enough to accommodate All Jazz models are referred to as ‘SxxJ’
the nylon strings and yet the ebony where ‘xx’ is the model/series number,
fingerboard is cambered to allow easy this is because, although the body shape
playing for steel string players. The voicing is the same as a regular ’S’ with a cutaway,
of the guitar allows for a great acoustic it is voiced differently. There are four
response while not being overly lively and Jazz models available, two are Original
overpowering while amplified. All Jazz Series models, one is a 35 Series model
models also come with a fishman matrix and there is also a 50 series Jazz. Each of
infinity and cutaway as standard. these models have the series-appropriate
aesthetic appointments.
S
32J
30 31
JAZZ COLLECTION
S25J
Back and sides: East Indian Rosewood
Top: Cedar
Bindings: Mahogany
Purfling: Rosewood, Mahogany
and Sycamore
Neck: Five piece Mahogany with a Walnut
centre stripe and two Purpleheart splices.
S32J
Back and sides: East Indian Rosewood
Top: Alpine Spruce
Bindings: Sycamore
Purfling: Rosewood, Mahogany
and Sycamore
Neck: Five piece Mahogany with a Walnut
centre tripe and two Purpleheart splices.
S35J
Back and sides: Reclaimed Brazilian Rosewood
Top: Alpine Spruce
Bindings: Figured Maple
Purfling: Rosewood, Mahogany
and Sycamore
Neck: Five piece Mahogany with
a Walnut centre stripe and two
Purpleheart splices.
S50J
See 50 series options.
S
32J
32 33
SPECIALITY COLLECTION
THE SPECIALITY
COLLECTION
Some of the models in this collection are available in different wood combinations not
listed. Contact your nearest Lowden dealer to discuss your needs.
WL
FF
34 35
SPECIALITY COLLECTION
THE 12 FRET
The 12 Fret model is based on our S size
body. Whilst the scale length (630mm)
remains the same as the regular 14 fret S
model, the bridge has been relocated and
the soundbox uniquely voiced to create a
guitar that offers something different to
anything else in the Lowden range.
S
35
36 12 Fret 37
SPECIALITY COLLECTION
THE 12 FRET
S
35c
12 Fret
38 39
SPECIALITY COLLECTION
THE S35 M THE S-35 W
The S35 M is our first commercially available Following in the footsteps of the all mahogany S-35M,
guitar with a hardwood top. This model is I was curious to see if there were other hardwoods
made with AAAA Fiddleback Mahogany for the that might offer something a little different to the
back, sides and top with a slightly adjusted traditional soundboard wood choices.
bracing to compensate for the harder top. The very first ’S’ model I ever made used walnut for the back and
This model is also our first to feature hand sides so I liked the idea of revisiting this original idea all these
years later.
made Robson Open Gear tuners.
40 41
SPECIALITY COLLECTION
WEE LOWDEN THE 38
FAN FRET
In 2016 George took time to design several new The 38 has been a stalwart of the Lowden
models and among them was the Wee Lowden Range for almost 30 years. George
Fan Fret. Combining the comfort of a small body designed it to showcase the very best
guitar with the tonal advantages of a Fan Fret of what Lowden had to offer, whilst
(even greater bass response),not to maintaining a simple, elegant look with
mention better upper fret access, the use of Original style appointments
makes this model one of the most contrasting the abalone inlay work.
tonally unique and ergonomic
Back and Sides: Reclaimed Brazilian Rosewood (CITES certified)
guitars in our range.
Top: AAAA Dark Cedar
Bindings: Original Style Maple with Abalone
Back and Sides: Indian Rosewood purflings on the top
Top: Redwood Neck: Five piece Mahogany with
Bindings: Maple Rosewood splices
Sizes Available: WL
42 43
SPECIALITY COLLECTION
THE BARITONE THE BARITONE
FAN FRET
The Baritone model is based upon the
O size but with a longer scale length The scale length on the Baritone Fan Fret
(700mm rather than 650mm), and a has been changed from of one of our
deeper body (130mm rather than 125mm). normal Fan Fret guitars, so the bass scale
These changes are to enhance the tonal length changed from 680mm to 710 and
or B. The Baritone is available as a stand- Due to the extra scale length you will get extra depth to the
tone and in some ways, slightly extra power..a bit like the
alone model with these specs:
difference between a Baby Grand and a Concert Grand piano.
50 Series Custom Baritones are also available, Available in both the 35 and 50 Series.
please refer to the price list for details.
44 45
SPECIALITY COLLECTION
THE FM THE STAGE EDITION
Model shown has Cocobolo back and The Stage Edition (32 SE) is designed
sides and a Sitka Spruce Soundboard. to be played on stage and primarily as
The FM is available in the 35 and 50 an amplified rather than purely acoustic
series range. instrument.
With a reduced body depth over a standard F model, the FM A pickup and cutaway are standard and the neck is thinner
is voiced to project bright clean lead lines or fingerpicking (43.5mm at the nut) to make playing more comfortable.
runs with extra emphasis on the lower mids. The perfect Aesthetically, the 32 SE is somewhere between an F32c and
guitar to cut through the mix. an F35c IR/SS; it has an abalone rosette and abalone dot
fingerboard inlays as standard and the Bindings
All FM models feature our shallow neck carve are Original Style Sycamore.
and narrow neck dimensions as standard.
Back and Sides: Indian Rosewood
Top: Sitka Spruce
Back and Sides: AAAA Cocobolo
Bindings: Original Style Sycamore
Top: AAAA Sitka Spruce
Neck: Narrow five piece Mahogany
Bindings: Maple with Rosewood Splices
Neck: Narrow five piece Mahogany Fingerboard: Ebony with Abalone dot inlays
with Rosewood Splices
43.5mm at nut / 56mm at 14th fret
Fingerboard: Ebony bound in Maple
and Ebony bindings Neck Profile: Shallow carve
46 47
CUSTOM OPTIONS
CUSTOM OPTIONS
Apart from self-explanatory options such as the cutaway or
left-hand options, some of the custom options available in our
range are explained below and on the following page. Special
options exclusive to the 50 Series are outlined on page 26.
FAN FRET
The Fan Fret design is such that each of the strings has a scale length (i.e. the strings
get longer toward the bass side) which increases bass and treble response. However,
to maintain tuning, the frets have to be placed at an angle (apart from the 7th which is
straight). The effect of this is to make the guitar sound bigger and more open. Available
on Original, 35 and 50 Series.
SOUNDBOX BEVEL
(35 and 50 Series’ only)
The soundbox bevel was first introduced on the Pierre Bensusan signature model and
has since become one of our most popular options. The bevel is a curved piece of wood
that forms part of the binding on the upper bout but is wider and at an angle so as to
make the guitar more comfortable for the arm to rest on.
F
50C
Fan Fret
48 49
CUSTOM OPTIONS
PICKUPS
PB
52 53
SIGNATURE COLLECTION
ALEX DE GRASSI RICHARD
THOMPSON
Body Size: F with extra deep cutaway Body Size: F cutaway
Back and Sides: AAAA Quilted Maple Back and Sides: AAAA Ziricote
Top: Sitka Spruce Top: Cedar
Bindings: Honduras Rosewood Bindings: Figured Koa
(older models have Snakewood)
Neck: Five piece Mahogany with Walnut
Neck: Five piece figured Maple with Walnut centre stripe and Purpleheart splices
centre stripe and Purpleheart splices
Inlay Style: Old 35 style (abalone rosette with 50 series
Inlay Style: Old 35 style style bindings and purflings.)
54 55
SIGNATURE COLLECTION
PIERRE PIERRE
BENSUSAN BENSUSAN
Body Size: F cutaway Body Size: O cutaway (70s style flatter cutaway) ‘Old Lady’
Back and Sides: AAAA Honduras Rosewood Back and Sides: Ancient Cuban Mahogany
Top: Adirondack Spruce Top: Cedar
Bindings: Ebony with soundbox bevel Bindings: Sycamore
Neck: Five piece ‘Fingerstyle’ Figured Maple Neck: Five piece Mahogany with
with Rosewood splices maple splices
Inlay Style: Current 35 style Inlay Style: Old Original Series style
(Thicker bindings and purflings)
56 57
SIGNATURE COLLECTION
PAUL BRADY THOMAS LEEB
Body Size: O Body Size: O cutaway
Back and Sides: Figured Bubinga Back and Sides: AAAA Bastone Walnut
Top: Sitka Spruce Top: Sitka Spruce
Bindings: Maple Bindings: Sycamore
Neck: Five piece figured Maple with Neck: Five piece Mahogany
rosewood splices with rosewood splices
Inlay Style: 35 style with no centre back inlay Inlay Style: Hybrid Original/35 style (Abalone
rosette but no centre back inlay)
58 59
SIGNATURE COLLECTION
JON GOMM
60 61
NECKS
NECKS
STANDARD NECK
Nut Width Known as the GL standard, Nut
Nut Width thisWidth
neck profile measures 45mm at
45mm 43.5mm 45mm
the nut extending to 57mm at the 14th fret.
57mm 56.25mm 60mm
14th Fret 14th Fret 14th Fret
57mm 56.25mm
than 57 mm).
60mm
14th Fret 14th Fret 14th Fret
14th Fret 14th Fret
57mm 56.25mm
45mm 43.5mm
Nut Width Nut
Nut Width Nut Width
45mm
45/60 NECK Width
43.5mm
Nut Width
45mm
45mm 43.5mm
Nut Width Nut Width
Nut Width Nut Width Nut Width
45mm
57mm
43.5mm
56.25mm
SHALLOW NECK PROFILE
45mm
60mm
14th Fret 14th Fret 45-60mm
14th Fret
43.5-56mm This neck profile is a different carve than the standard Lowden
Nut Width Nut Width Nut Width
45mm 43.5mm 45mm shape, it is thinner and less ‘v’ shaped. It has been described as
35 IR/RC
BACK & SIDES
Red Cedar
SIZES AVAILABLE
SPECIFICATIONS
35 IR/SS Sitka Spruce O, F, S
35 IR/RW Redwood F, WL
35 IR/AD Adirondack F
Cutaway All models except Wee Lowden and 12 String 35 CO/SS Cocobolo Sitka Spruce F
35 CO/RW Redwood F
Fan Fret
Custom Neck 43.5mm at nut / 56mm at 14th fret and/or Shallow Neck Carve (hand carved lower profile neck) 35 KO/AS Koa Alpine Spruce F
12 String Full body O and F size models only. All models have Sitka Spruce soundboards 35 KO/RW Redwood F, S
Left Hand 35 KO/AD Adirondack S
Custom Charge Any body style not offered as standard
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
Cutaway All models except Wee Lowden and 12 String
Soundbox Bevel
Fan Fret
Extended curved fingerboard end
Custom Neck 43.5mm at nut / 56mm at 14th fret and/or Shallow Neck Carve (hand carved lower profile neck)
45/60 Neck Increased string spacing. 45mm at nut, 60mm at 14th fret with compensated neck profile.
12 String Full body O and F size models only. All models have Sitka Spruce soundboards
Left Hand
Custom Charge Any body style not offered as standard
We are pleased to offer the exciting opportunity to mix and match from selected MODEL BACK & SIDES SOUNDBOARD SIZES AVAILABLE
and reserved Master Grade tone woods including some of the finest figured woods
50 HR/RC Honduras Rosewood Red Cedar O, F, S, WL
available with tonal responses to match. 50 HR/SS Sitka Spruce O, F, S, WL
50 HR/AS Alpine Spruce O, F, S, WL
50 HR/RW Redwood O, F, S, WL
All 50 Series guitars come with the following:
50 HR/AD Adirondack O, F, S, WL
• Figured wood and abalone soundhole rosette • Available in all body sizes (O, F, S and WL) 50 HR/LZ Lutz Spruce O, F, S, WL
• Ameritage custom hard case • Bookmatched front and back headfacing
50 MR/RC Madagascar Rosewood Red Cedar O, F, S, WL
• Master Grade tonewoods • Inlay pattern 1: As for the 35 Series plus hand
50 MR/SS Sitka Spruce O, F, S, WL
mitred side and back purflings.
• Extended and bound fingerboard 50 MR/AS Alpine Spruce O, F, S, WL
50 MR/RW Redwood O, F, S, WL
66 67
SPECIFICATIONS
50 SERIES continued JAZZ SERIES
MODEL BACK & SIDES SOUNDBOARD SIZES AVAILABLE MODEL BACK & SIDES SOUNDBOARD DEFAULT OPTIONS
50 BO/RC Ancient Bog Oak Red Cedar O, F, S, WL S-25J East Indian Rosewood Red Cedar S Cutaway
50 BO/SS Sitka Spruce O, F, S, WL S-32J East Indian Rosewood Alpine Spruce S Cutaway
50 BO/AS Alpine Spruce O, F, S, WL S-35J Reclaimed Brazilian Rosewood Alpine Spruce S Cutaway
50 BO/RW Redwood O, F, S, WL
S-50J For 50 Series Jazz models (See 50 Series price list) S Cutaway
50 BO/AD Adirondack O, F, S, WL
50 BO/LZ Lutz Spruce O, F, S, WL
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
Cutaway All models except Wee Lowden and 12 String
Soundbox Bevel
Fan Fret
Figured Maple Neck 5 Piece with Rosewood splices
38 Style Soundboard Inlay Abalone inlay around edge of soundboard
Leaf Fingerboard Inlay Leaf shaped abalone inlays on fingerboard
Inlay Package 2 Headstock binding and additional side of heel binding
12 String Full body O and F size models only. All models have Sitka Spruce soundboards
Custom Neck 43.5mm at nut / 56mm at 14th fret and/or Shallow Neck Carve (hand carved lower profile neck)
45/60 Neck Increased string spacing. 45mm at nut, 60mm at 14th fret with compensated neck profile
Gold Waverly Tuners
S-50J (Jazz Package) 50 Series Jazz Models. (S body size only)
Left hand
Sinker Redwood Upgrade 290
68 69
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIAL MODELS MODEL DIMENSIONS
BODY STYLE NECK WIDTH AT NUT NECK WIDTH SOUNDBOX WIDTH SOUNDBOX DEPTH SCALE LENGTH
MODEL BACK & SIDES SOUNDBOARD SIZES DEFAULT OPTIONS
AT 14TH FRET
38 Reclaimed Brazilian Rosewood Red Cedar O, F, S, WL Leaf fretboard inlay, F 1 3/4” (45mm) 2 1/4” (57mm) 402mm 120mm 25 1/2” (650mm)
Abalone soundboard inlays
S 1 3/4” (45mm) 2 1/4” (57mm) 374mm 105mm 24 51/64” (630mm)
WL 1 3/4” (45mm) 2 1/4” (57mm) 335mm 100mm 24 51/64” (610mm)
THE S-35M
Jazz 1 7/8” (48mm) 2 3/8” (60mm) 374mm 105mm 25 1/2” (650mm)
S-35M Fiddleback Mahogany Fiddleback Mahogany S Robson Open Back Tuners
(Optional) Baritone 1 3/4” (45mm) 2 1/4” (57mm) 420mm 130mm 27 9/16” (700mm)
Stage Edition 1 11/16” (43.5mm) 2 13/64” (56.25mm) 402mm 95mm 25 1/2” (650mm)
THE S-35W FM 1 11/16” (43.5mm) 2 13/64” (56.25mm) 402mm 105mm 25 1/2” (650mm)
S-35W Figured Walnut Figured Walnut S Robson Open Back Tuners
(Optional)
THE BARITONE FAN FRET Fan Fret (Baritone) 1 3/4” (45mm) 2 1/4” (57mm) 710mm bass / 670mm treble 16” (406mm)
70 71
NOTES:
72
Lowden Guitars
31-34 Down Business Park
Belfast Road
Downpatrick
BT30 9UP
www.lowdenguitars.com