Lowden Guitar - F or O series? Help me choose

vaibhav.mittal · #1 01-16-2022, 12:23 AM

I have always been a fan of Lowden guitars but never owned one,

Now looking to buy one:
Deciding between O23 and F23, not sure on the ones with a cutaway

Anyone who has played both - what’s your opinion on either models and which one is more versatile for strumming, flatpicking and some fingerpicking

Feedback/ Opinions/ Experiences with Lowden guitars in general is welcome

Cheers

cmac · #2 01-16-2022, 01:19 AM

I have a F23 and a O25. I got the O about 12 years ago and used it for strumming and fingerpicking, and it was perfectly happy with both.

I got the F about 4 years ago, just because I could. It has a different sound and feel to it, but it is also good for strumming and fingerpicking.

Really the choice is about size and your preference for sound - the different body shapes produce different sound profiles and the question of which is best is entirely up to your own perception and preference.

Both guitars are equally versatile and capable. They have the same neck, scale length, etc, and both are responsive and produce a rich, complex tone. So if you have the opportunity to play them both then it's really about which one feels and sounds best for you. There's no real technical reason to pick one over the other.

JayBee1404 · #3 01-16-2022, 04:42 AM

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I second everything cmac says above.

I’ve owned an O10, an O25, and I now have an F23. If funds had permitted over the years, I would still own all three, but…well, ya know how it goes! I’ve fingerpicked and strummed all three guitars equally successfully, both at home and gigging - they are definitely not ‘one trick ponies’. In my acoustic band, I play my F23, my buddy plays his O23, both work great together. My buddy also plays his O23 in an electric Americana band, and it works great for that too.

As the man says, you need to get yourself to a dealer, try several of each size, and pick the one that feels and sounds best for you. It really is the best way.

Dru Edwards · #4 01-16-2022, 07:22 AM

I played both an O25 (or was it an O23) and F25 and ended up with the F25. The O was just a little too big on my shoulder so that's something to consider.

M19 · #5 01-16-2022, 07:57 AM

My experience is with Rosewood/Sika, an O32 and an F32c. I found the O to be almost too much, or conversely, the F was plenty enough. I play mostly fingerstyle, but the F holds up to pick just fine too.
I currently have a McIlroy A30c (same woods as above) and suggest you give the Mac equivalent a try if you have the opportunity. You'll save $1000+.

Mr. Paul · #6 01-16-2022, 08:15 AM

I've had 3 and rank them

1. F24 early 90s. still would have but for the skinny neck of that era. fingerstyle monster .

2. 025 late 90s. Wonderful all around guitar

3. F24 late 90s Nowhere near the '93 one, recorded really well though

mercy · #7 01-16-2022, 11:01 AM

If youve got long arms then the O would be alright but the F is more for the average size guy.

MarkLee · #8 01-16-2022, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mercy

If youve got long arms then the O would be alright but the F is more for the average size guy.

I don't really ascribe to the idea super jumbos like the Lowden O are just for big guys. I'm of average height and I love them. The narrower waist and curvy lower bout makes them just as comfortable as a dread, if not more so.

OP, try both and see what you prefer.

Pender · #9 01-17-2022, 02:32 AM

Based on my personal experience, the Lowden F32 is the most versatile

vaibhav.mittal · #10 01-17-2022, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pender

Based on my personal experience, the Lowden F32 is the most versatile

I’m smitten by Cedar top!

sayheyjeff · #11 01-17-2022, 10:11 AM

I have found that there is a tone that Lowdens and McIlroys (and others) that is different from all of my guitars and the rest of the guitars in my ‘orbit’. Love having one and it gets played most days. I mostly flat pick, but the guitar sounds great fingerpicked as well. The F is as large a guitar as I have. Pretty similar in size to my 12 fret dread.

Jeff

Newbflat · #12 01-17-2022, 03:37 PM

I have a mid 90’s O32 which I love and I find anything smaller starts getting a nasal tone I don’t particularly like. The O32 has it a bit but less so that any other Lowden I have heard. I wanted a smaller guitar and was looking at F’s and S’s but just didn’t like the nasal tone. To each there own though.

spartan · #13 01-19-2022, 02:29 PM

I would imagine more people may feel at more home on a F than an O, but an O, especially with a cedar top, that’s gotta be THE Lowden sound. Lush, responsive, loud, amazing overtones, one can go on. They are big, but they are more comfortable than they look. The F is more focused, has amazing projection and still retains the classic Lowden characteristics. Very comfortable to play seated or standing. FWIW, I happily own an cedar top F, and I am probably going to acquire a cedar/redwood top O in the next year

BenP_357 · #14 01-19-2022, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spartan

I would imagine more people may feel at more home on a F than an O, but an O, especially with a cedar top, that’s gotta be THE Lowden sound. Lush, responsive, loud, amazing overtones, one can go on. They are big, but they are more comfortable than they look. The F is more focused, has amazing projection and still retains the classic Lowden characteristics. Very comfortable to play seated or standing. FWIW, I happily own an cedar top F, and I am probably going to acquire a cedar/redwood top O in the next year

Pretty much agree with this!

vaibhav.mittal · #15 01-20-2022, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spartan

I would imagine more people may feel at more home on a F than an O, but an O, especially with a cedar top, that’s gotta be THE Lowden sound. Lush, responsive, loud, amazing overtones, one can go on. They are big, but they are more comfortable than they look. The F is more focused, has amazing projection and still retains the classic Lowden characteristics. Very comfortable to play seated or standing. FWIW, I happily own an cedar top F, and I am probably going to acquire a cedar/redwood top O in the next year

Yes that’s what I’ve read too, players find F more comfortable to play but lush tone is in O body style.
I am generally a fan of Jumbo bodies and can pick out more color & dynamics out of a bigger instrument. So looks like O body style it is for me

Everyone thanks for your comments& feedback,

Cheers