Lowden Guitars | 1 decade ago
In episode three of the series, George Lowden is joined by longtime friend and Lowden Signature artist Thomas Leeb. Their conversation gives insight to how each Lowden soundbox shape contributes to the Lowden voice, with demonstration by Thomas.
Just as every guitar has a voice, every guitar also has a story: listen in for what this important relationship between designer and artist has meant for the development of George's instruments over the years.
| Lowden Guitars|
The Lowden acoustic guitar reflects the very personal approach and philosophy of its designer, George Lowden. When a player decides to choose a Lowden, it is because the guitar speaks to them. Something in its unique sound and the craftsmanship which goes into the building of it captures the heart.
George explains his approach like this - "Designing and building guitars is a matter of the wood choice first, the design second and the workmanship third. All woods give slightly different tonal responses and I will often advise players which might suit them best according to their playing style."
| Lowden Acoustic Guitar Soundbox Shapes |
The ʻOʼ is the most widely recognised Lowden shape having been the first of George Lowdenʼs designs and remains unchanged since the mid 1970ʼs. It is the largest size and is sought after for its bass and overtones, and has traditionally been the preferred choice for fingerstyle and open tuning . It has a deep and resonant tone.
The ʻFʼ is the mid-size body, and was originally designed with the flat-picker in mind. George re-designed it in 2004 as he "always felt it had further to go" and we are delighted with the result. It is a great gigging guitar - punchy, with focussed projection and volume. Great for flat-picking of course, but also for finger-picking. Works well for percussive strumming too - particularly in the rosewood/cedar combination.
The ʻSʼ is our smallest body, but arguably the loudest. Completely re-designed by George in 2003 when making one himself as a personal custom order, it now has a shorter scale length and is noted for its clarity and definition. In walnut/cedar it is very loud, warm and well balanced. In cocobolo it is perfect for versatile playing styles from strumming, percussive picking to fingerstyle. In rosewood with adirondak or sitka spruce it is superb as a pickers guitar.
For more information on Lowden Guitars please visit us at www.georgelowden.com
