Lowden S-50 | Master Grade Cocobolo - Master Grade Redwood

At Peach Guitars, we are excited to present this Lowden S-50, a prime example of the artistry and craftsmanship that Lowden is renowned for. This guitar is part of the prestigious 50 Series, Lowden's equivalent to a custom shop, where only the very best materials and construction techniques are used. What makes this S-50 truly special is the Master Grade tonewoods, hand-picked by our company director during a rare visit to the Lowden facilities. This opportunity to personally select the woods is a result of our long-standing relationship with Lowden, making this S-50 a unique and exclusive instrument.

The Back and Sides: Master Grade Cocobolo

The Master Grade Cocobolo used for the back and sides of this guitar is nothing short of spectacular. Cocobolo is a dense, tropical hardwood that is not only prized for its striking visual appeal but also for its tonal characteristics. With its deep reds, oranges, and contrasting sapwood, Cocobolo offers an aesthetic beauty that is almost unmatched. The grain patterns on this specific S-50 are truly unique, and the wood was chosen specifically for its remarkable figuring. The complexity and richness of the wood grain make this guitar as much a piece of art as it is a musical instrument.

Tonally, Cocobolo is known for its bright, articulate sound with strong bass and shimmering trebles. Its density gives the guitar a natural sustain and resonance that fills the room, making it an ideal choice for players who want a powerful, yet balanced tone. The low-end response of the Cocobolo back and sides pairs beautifully with the guitar's bracing, which is designed to enhance bass frequencies without overwhelming the midrange or high-end clarity.

The Soundboard: Master Grade Sinker Redwood

The Master Grade Sinker Redwood top on this Lowden S-50 is equally extraordinary. Sinker Redwood is a rare and highly sought-after tonewood that brings a unique story to each guitar. These trees were originally felled centuries ago and floated down rivers to sawmills. However, many of these logs sank to the riverbeds, where they remained submerged and preserved. The lack of oxygen underwater prevented decay, and now, these sunken logs are recovered and dried for use in high-end instruments.

Sinker Redwood is known for its warm, resonant tone, with a sound profile that strikes a perfect balance between the brightness of spruce and the warmth of cedar. Redwood has a natural richness that responds beautifully to both soft fingerpicking and aggressive strumming, making it incredibly versatile. The warmth and clarity it offers give this guitar a lush, expansive tone that resonates deeply, yet maintains the brightness needed for articulation. What sets Sinker Redwood apart is its complex overtones and responsiveness, which results in a sound that feels dynamic and alive in your hands. The rare, figured top on this guitar is also visually stunning, with deep colour variations that are a testament to its unique origins.

The Neck: Mahogany and Rosewood

The neck is constructed from a 5-piece combination of Mahogany and Rosewood, a blend chosen for both its stability and tonal properties. Mahogany provides warmth and a smooth tonal response, while Rosewood adds a touch of brightness and snap to the sound. The neck's construction ensures durability and long-term playability, maintaining its structural integrity for years to come. Lowden's GL Standard neck profile (45mm at the nut, extending to 57mm at the 14th fret) offers a comfortable playing experience for a wide range of players.

The Fingerboard: Ebony

The Ebony fingerboard is bound with Maple, which not only provides a striking visual contrast but also contributes to the guitar's tonal clarity. Ebony is a dense wood known for its smooth feel and sharp articulation, ensuring that every note rings out with clarity. The extended curved end of the fingerboard adds a subtle touch of elegance, matching the intricate aesthetic of the guitar's other appointments.

The Overall Tone and Details

The combination of Master Grade Cocobolo and Sinker Redwood results in a guitar that offers rich harmonic content and complex overtones. The Cocobolo back and sides provide a deep, bass-rich sound, while the Sinker Redwood top adds warmth and clarity, resulting in a tone that is both powerful and delicate. Whether you're playing soft, fingerstyle passages or more aggressive strumming, this guitar responds beautifully to your playing dynamics, offering a full-bodied sound that fills the room.

Though it's a smaller-bodied guitar, the S model defies expectations with its surprising volume and rich bass response. Designed and braced with a bass bias, this guitar offers an incredible depth of sound that belies its compact size. Originally crafted for Nick Webb of Acoustic Alchemy, the S model is known for its powerful projection and lush sustain, making it perfect for players who need clarity and richness across the full tonal spectrum.

The guitar's aesthetic appointments are just as impressive as its tonal characteristics. With highly figured wood bindings, intricate purflings on the top, sides, and back, and a seven-piece hand-inlaid back centre seam, every detail has been crafted to enhance both the look and sound of the instrument. The abalone and figured wood rosette adds a luxurious touch, while the extended maple-bound ebony fingerboard and bookmatched ebony head facings elevate the overall appearance of the guitar.

Comfort is another key feature of this S-50, thanks to the soundbox bevel - a design innovation first introduced on the Pierre Bensusan signature model. The bevel is a curved ebony piece on the upper bout, allowing your arm to rest more comfortably during long playing sessions.

At Peach Guitars, we take pride in offering guitars of this calibre. Each S-50 we sell undergoes a meticulous setup by our in-house guitar technicians, ensuring that the instrument is optimised for playability and sound. From truss rod adjustments to action setup and fresh strings, we make sure every detail is perfect. You can see individual photos of this unique guitar on our website or visit our showroom to experience it in person. We encourage you to book an appointment for a personalised experience, where our team can offer expert guidance and plenty of time to explore this exceptional instrument in our inspiring surroundings. Whether you purchase online or in-store, we are here to offer full support, even after your purchase.