Lowden 70th Birthday Limited Edition F-35 | AAAA Walnut - AAAA Sinker Redwood *Used*

This excellent condition pre-owned Lowden Limited Edition F-35 guitar holds a special place in the history of Lowden Guitars. Built to celebrate George Lowden's 70th birthday in 2021, this special run of guitars was meticulously designed by George Lowden himself, showcasing his passion for both innovation and tradition. Peach Guitars was one of the dealers chosen back when the original launch happened and we had and sold three different birthday models. Whilst we didn't originally sell this one, it's good to see another one from a special series that we were part of. The pre-owned condition of it really is superb.

This particular guitar, number 27 out of 70 models made, boasts some extraordinary and unique features. Each of these guitars featured a bespoke commemorative internal label, numbered and personally signed by George Lowden, making it a collector's item as well as a superb musical instrument. The guitar was also accompanied by provenance documentation, ensuring its authenticity and adding to its heritage value.

The model's stunning aesthetic is highlighted by the soundbox bevel - a feature that was first introduced on the Pierre Bensusan signature model. This bevel not only adds to the guitar's beauty but also offers greater comfort for players by softening the edge where the arm rests, making long playing sessions more enjoyable. The craftsmanship extends further, with a custom "LXX" inlay at the 12th fret designed by the renowned inlay specialists, Pearl Works. These Roman numerals, representing George Lowden's 70th birthday, add a distinctive and elegant touch to this already stunning guitar.

Another feature that sets this guitar apart is the materials chosen for its construction. The back and sides are made of AAAA-grade figured walnut, one of George Lowden's favourite tonewoods since he crafted his first prototype for Nick Webb in 1991. This tonewood is known for its clarity and definition, providing excellent tonal balance that suits a range of playing styles, from fingerpicking to flatpicking. The soundboard is crafted from AAAA Sinker Redwood, a highly prized tonewood offering a resonant and warm alternative to traditional spruce.  Many years ago - and well before large trucks became an option for transportation - felled logs were often floated down rivers to saw mills. Occasionally, a log would sink and remain at the bottom of the river bed for decades. In recent years, these logs are being located, recovered, and used in guitar-making. Having been deprived of oxygen underwater, these 'Sinker' tonewoods have not decayed and, once dried and cut, offer highly prized, resonant-rich alternatives to traditional tonewoods - perfect for a limited edition Lowden. It's increasingly hard to get wood like this. Sinker Redwood gives more warmth than a spruce top would.  Not as much as cedar but the balance it achieves is the best of both worlds.  The brightness of spruce but with a hint of cedar-style warmth.  It's a sort of do-it-all wood which is why it's so popular with Lowden's customers.

The guitar also draws inspiration from George Lowden's connection to nature, a theme that has been ever-present in his work since the 1970s. From the scenic beaches of Northern Ireland's Antrim coast to the rolling hills of South Down, Lowden's designs have often incorporated elements of his surroundings. The Pine Marten, a rare creature native to Ireland that George encountered near his home, inspired the inclusion of its image on the guitar's provenance label and book, adding a sentimental touch to this already remarkable piece.

Players will appreciate the attention to detail that went into this F-35 model. The guitar's 5-piece mahogany and rosewood neck is bound with maple, while the fingerboard is made of ebony, offering smooth playability. The GL standard neck profile, measuring 45mm at the nut and extending to 57mm at the 14th fret, provides an ideal balance between comfort and performance. Additionally, the bindings, made from figured Koa, beautifully complement the rich tones of the walnut back and sides, enhancing the guitar's visual appeal.

The F-35 is part of Lowden's 35 Series, which is aimed at the serious player looking for an instrument that delivers unparalleled tonal variety and subtle nuance. This model is equipped with Gotoh 510 gold tuners with ebony buttons, ensuring tuning stability and precision.

This limited edition guitar stands as a testament to George Lowden's legacy, not only as a master luthier but also as an artist deeply connected to the world around him. With its combination of exceptional craftsmanship, limited production, and rich tonal qualities, the Lowden Limited Edition F-35 is a prized instrument that offers both collectors and musicians something truly special.