For Sale: 2008 Ralph Bown OM #227- Lutz & Ziricote (Canada)

[Ryan Alexander]

Note: This guitar is currently listed on Reverb. Asking $7450US including free expedited shipping via Fedex in Canada, US and UK. Import fees are the responsibility of the buyer. Please contact to discuss.

This is a stunning Ralph Bown OM built in 2008. S/N 227. Originally made for a customer in the UK and later sold via Guitar Gallery. It has also been owned by several AGF members. Ralph's guitars are endorsed by Clive Carroll and the late John Renbourn among others. While there is a passionate online fan base, Ralph does not have a website and has maintained a waiting list largely due to word of mouth. His guitars are very rare to find in North America and one of only two I am aware of in Canada.

It's tricky to put into words just how wide-open, expressive and versatile this instrument is. It has been my only instrument for almost two years now and covers a ton of ground. No register is lacking and it has that piano-like balance favored by many fingerstylists . It will also go toe-to-toe with any dread for flatpicking and strumming. I'm really not sure how Ralph does it. I am reluctantly selling this lifer OM due to changes in ergonomic requirements and an incoming custom build.

Condition: At 16 years old, this guitar is in remarkable condition. I would generally describe it on the excellent side of very good. The re-fret with EVO gold wire was done in late 2022. There are only a few minor dings (worst is pictured) and scratches. The acid catalyst finish is very thin yet durable. There are two very small spots along one side of the back seam where the finish is cracked for <1". The wood is not cracked, only the finish. These spots are reinforced by design with the backstrip and haven't changed since I bought the guitar. There is also a tiny chip in the bridge next to a pin hole as pictured.

Specs:
Lutz Spruce & Ziricote.
1-3/4" nut.
2-1/4" bridge spacing.
25.4" scale.
EVO Gold frets (47095).
Neck: Mahogany with very soft V profile, 0.85" depth at 1st fret. Note: there is a minor finish anomaly on the volute as pictured, looks like tiny bubbles under finish. Smooth to the touch.
K&K Trinity pickup.
Ziricote headstock veneer.
Waverly tuning machines.
Ebony fretboard, bound in ebony.
Ebony bridge with Ebony bridge pins (bridge has minor chip, pictured).
New Zealand Paua Abalone rosette - brilliantly colored.
Tortoiseshell colored Tortis pickguard.
Koa bindings with 5 ply top purflings, and single back & side purfling lines.
Calton case - blue/blue, made in UK.
*Current replacement cost is around $9kGBP / $11kUSD not including the Calton. Plus a painful wait

Happy to provide additional pics as required. Clips available. Thanks for looking!

[Ryan Alexander]

This is the worst of the dings, located on the treble side of the lower bout:

[samuelgray16]

Great guitar! Is the replacement cost your asking price?

[Ryan Alexander]

Thanks, Samuel! Apologies folks, can't believe I forgot the asking price. Looking for $7450US including shipping on this one.

[memphis1]

Beautiful guitar! GLWTS

[Ryan Alexander]

Thanks, Memphis! I've had some good interest so far.

Tuesday bump.

[Ryan Alexander]

Bumping from Page 3

Don't sleep on this one, folks...

[Ryan Alexander]

May 21st bump.

[Ryan Alexander]

To the top for a new week

[blindboyjimi]

I think I almost bought this guitar 20 times when it was at GuitarGal. I’m still loving it. Best of luck.

[Honkycat]

That's a stunner and quite fancy for a Bown!

[Ryan Alexander]

Originally Posted by blindboyjimi

I think I almost bought this guitar 20 times when it was at GuitarGal. I’m still loving it. Best of luck.

Thanks, Jimi - that's pretty cool Did you have a chance to play it, or were you simply admiring it online?

Originally Posted by Honkycat

That's a stunner and quite fancy for a Bown!

Indeed! This was my first (and hopefully not last!) encounter with a Bown. Ralph has created some truly special instruments over the years.

[PhilT]

Beautiful Guitar from a well respected luthier. His guitars rarely show up stateside.Years ago I communicated with Ralph about a custom build. Great guy. Long distance issues, waitlist time, etc. lead me to not proceed. This guitar should make someone very happy.

Bump it up.