Lowden Acoustic L32C Guitar with Case

If you have not heard about George Lowden, please read on. From a very early age, George Lowden was intrigued by guitars and developed a talent for creating them. His influences were from Gibson to Gretsch, but the Lowden name on a guitar ultimately has come to mean something unique. As with many a good string-instrument maker, multiple concerns were addressed. The type of wood, the specific cut of the wood, the movement of air as it resonates in and around the sound box. The shape of the bridge, the spread of the strings, the tension of the strings, the placement of the frets were all considerations as Lowden started down the road of creating one of the world’s great guitars. This guitar has been in the present owner’s possession without exception since he received it (brand new) as a gift in 1989. Based on information from the Lowden website—http://www.georgelowden.com—this guitar was handmade between 1985 and 1989. This guitar is a Lowden model L32C, serial number 1282. Serial numbers for years 1985 through 1989 are 0001-1306 suggesting that this guitar was made in 1988 or 1989. The shape of the label is oval; it is cream-colored with a green edge. Its origin is Lowden’s facility at Balloo Industrial Estate, Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland. Lowden's website also explains the woods used and designations: "At around the end of 1991, model designations changed. Previously the letter had indicated the botanical name of the wood used for the back & sides [eg. S = Swetenia = mahogany; L = dalbergia Latifolia = indian rosewood] . The new model names reflected the increasing range of body size/shape options. So O was introduced = Original body shape/size; F = the new mid size Flat-picker’s body shape/size; and in 1992 the S was introduced as the brand new Small body. The S when followed by a J was the Jazz nylon string model." I can confirm, from correspondence with Lowden's office, that this guitar is made from Indian rosewood on the back and sides and sitka spruce on the top, ebony fingerboard, mahogany with rosewood laminates in the neck. He also stated that "It also looks like the fingerboard inlays are a custom option request. It would have been built here in Ireland around 1989 and so would have been new when gifted to you."And as stated earlier, Indian Rosewood was the primary wood used for this L32C, i.e., L = dalbergia Latifolia = indian rosewood. All dimensions are approximate: Neck: 18 1/4"; Overall length: 41"; Widths: 16 1/2" (Lower Bout), 11 1/2" (Upper Bout), 10 1/4" (Waist); Body Depth: 4 1/4" (at neck), 5" (at end); Soundhole: 4 1/8". A list of artist’s reported to own and/or use Lowden guitars includes Eric Clapton, Alex de Grassi, Richard Thompson, Acoustic Alchemy, David Gray, Damien Rice, Paul Brady, Hothouse Flowers. The instrument is in magnificent shape. While it has been played by the owner, it has been cared for as a fine instrument should be. There are very few blemishes (nicks, scratches, etc.) The sound has only improved with the years. This guitar would be a fine addition to any collection, or an excellent choice for the player ready to upgrade to one of the finest acoustic guitars in the world. Insured shipping within North America is $150. Shipping charges and insurance to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, and other U.S. territories as well as countries outside of North America will be quoted upon request. Charges for insurance and shipping are the sole responsibility of the buyer.