Lowden F-50 | Master Grade Brazilian Rosewood - Master Grade Red Cedar

This Lowden, custom ordered by us a long time back and now here exemplifies the brand's commitment to excellence, resulting a truly exceptional instrument. Whether you're a professional musician, a discerning collector, or an avid enthusiast, owning this Lowden guitar is an investment in quality and craftsmanship of the highest order.

Some of the most exceptional woods utilised in guitar making are also endangered and in limited supply, with Master Grade Brazilian Rosewood standing out as the rarest of them all. Trade in Brazilian Rosewood is strictly regulated, requiring licences and very old stock. George Lowden advocates for this approach to protect the species, acknowledging Brazilian Rosewood as the pinnacle of tonewoods for guitar backs and sides, surpassing even African Blackwood and Honduras Rosewood. It possesses a finesse and tonality that is unparalleled in George's opinion. It offers clarity and definition without any harshness. He has stated that were he to build a guitar for himself, it would undoubtedly be crafted from Brazilian Rosewood.

Combining Master Grade Brazilian Rosewood with Master Grade Red Cedar echoes the pairing of the first prototype 38 model, conceptualised by George Lowden in 1976 for his friend Alastair Burke. Burke introduced the prototype to the owners of Folk Quincampoix in Paris, France, who were so impressed that they promptly ordered six guitars and requested four more each month thereafter. George and his team swiftly responded, and the 38 model made its debut on the market in 1977. The legacy of this wood combination in Lowden history was further solidified when Irish musician Paul Brady presented one to Eric Clapton in 1996. Clapton subsequently utilised the guitar on his album 'Pilgrim' and during his performance at the 1997 Grammy Awards ceremony.

The 50 series epitomises the essence of the Lowden Custom Shop, utilising Master Grade tone woods renowned for their exceptional tonal and visual qualities. George Lowden emphasises the meticulous selection process, wherein only the rarest and most outstanding pieces are reserved for the 50 series guitars after multiple rounds of re-grading. Each instrument in the 50 series is visually stunning and sonically superior, owing to the incorporation of these exquisite woods. Furthermore, this series boasts intricate aesthetic enhancements such as highly figured wood bindings, purflings adorning the top, sides, and back, a meticulously handcrafted seven-piece back centre seam, an ornate abalone and figured wood rosette, an extended ebony fingerboard bound in maple, and meticulously matched ebony front and back head facings. These guitars represent the pinnacle of Lowden craftsmanship, offering unparalleled quality and sophistication.

The F model, initially crafted in 1982 and later reimagined in 2003, features a compact soundbox design that enhances projection and midrange response compared to the O model. This characteristic makes it particularly well-suited for flatpickers, although it has also gained popularity amongst fingerstyle players, blues guitarists, and other musicians. Engineered with a soundbox geometry and bracing that prioritise a balanced tonal profile, the F model exhibits a neutral bias, neither favouring treble nor bass frequencies.

The neck of this exceptional guitar features a blend of 5-piece Mahogany and Rosewood, combining durability with tonal richness. Adorned with an Ebony fingerboard complemented by Maple bindings, this guitar exudes elegance and sophistication. The neck profile, known as the GL standard, offers comfort and playability, measuring 45mm at the nut and extending to 57mm at the 14th fret.

With a scale length of 650mm, this guitar provides a balanced feel and optimal string tension for a superior playing experience. Tasmanian Blackwood binding adds a touch of aesthetic refinement, enhancing the visual appeal of the instrument.

The intricate purflings, crafted from a blend of Mahogany, Maple, and Rocklite, showcase Lowden's commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail. Additionally, this custom guitar features a Soundbox Bevel, originally introduced on the Pierre Bensusan signature model. The bevel, a curved piece of wood integrated into the binding on the upper bout, enhances comfort by providing a supportive surface for the arm to rest on, making extended playing sessions more enjoyable.

Equipped with Lowden Light Gauge 12-53 strings, this guitar delivers a balanced and responsive sound across the entire tonal spectrum. The Gotoh Gold 510 tuners with Ebony buttons ensure precise tuning stability and add a touch of elegance to the instrument's aesthetic.

International Purchases:
Potential buyers outside the UK are encouraged to contact us before making a purchase, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free transaction process.