Advice on Custom Ordering a Lowden

[samcclark]

Has anyone used one of the US dealers to order a custom Lowden? If so, any advice on who you used or other tips? Did you consult directly with the Lowden folks?
Thanks for any info.

[67goat]

Haven't ordered a custom Lowden, so I can't help with that specific part. But in general, make sure you really understand and know what you want before you spend custom money.

[hifivic]

Great guitars I owned an 0-23 for 12 years. They are not a custom shop like Santa Cruz for example that will build you pretty much whatever you desire. How many have you seen or played? Perhaps their is a model in their line up that will meet your needs? Try Steve at Down Home Guitars or Jeff at Acoustic Vibes.

[Wade Hampton]

Another prominent Lowden dealer that might be able to walk you through the process of ordering a custom Lowden, if custom is the route you end up going, is Sylvan Music in Santa Cruz, California. The times I’ve visited Sylvan I’ve seen more Lowdens than in any other music store I’ve ever been in.

Hope this helps.


Wade Hampton Miller

[samcclark]

Thanks all for your advice. I have a Japanese made Lowden that I consider a great value and the neck carve is darn near perfect for me. I was considering a custom because I'd want a low profile neck and most of the inventory I've seen has the standard carve.

[Wade Hampton]

Then check with a heavy hitting Lowden dealership to see whether a custom order is possible.


whm

[JayBee1404]

You’ve checked out the extensive Lowden website, right? Lowden do offer a ‘special’ neck width and profile. From their website…

”Special Neck Width
43.5mm at nut / 56mm at neck joint (Lowden standard is 45/57mm)
Shallow Profile Neck”

Go straight to the horse’s mouth, call the GLG Co direct. That way, you’ll know for sure what your next step should be - everyone here is just guessing. And call, don’t email, you’ll get an immediate response by calling (if you’re in the US remember they are at least five hours ahead of you time-wise).

+44 (0)28 44 61 91 61

https://lowdenguitars.com/hello/

As always, the standard disclaimer applies - IMHO. However, I realise that YMMV, and I’m cool with that.

[BluesKing777]

Originally Posted by JayBee1404

You’ve checked out the extensive Lowden website, right? Lowden do offer a ‘special’ neck width and profile. From their website…

”Special Neck Width
43.5mm at nut / 56mm at neck joint (Lowden standard is 45/57mm)
Shallow Profile Neck”

Go straight to the horse’s mouth, call the GLG Co direct. That way, you’ll know for sure what your next step should be - everyone here is just guessing. And call, don’t email, you’ll get an immediate response by calling (if you’re in the US remember they are at least five hours ahead of you time-wise).

+44 (0)28 44 61 91 61

https://lowdenguitars.com/hello/

As always, the standard disclaimer applies - IMHO. However, I realise that YMMV, and I’m cool with that.

The (Lowden) Stage Edition uses those specs.....look on Lowden website for Stage Edition (32SE)....Sitka Spruce/ Rosewood.

I have the first versions of the stage editions - my 1993 Lowden LSE1......fabulous...mahogany/sitka.

BluesKing777.

[JayBee1404]

Originally Posted by BluesKing777

The (Lowden) Stage Edition uses those specs.....look on Lowden website for Stage Edition (32SE)....Sitka Spruce/ Rosewood.

I have the first versions of the stage editions - my 1993 Lowden LSE1......fabulous...mahogany/sitka.

BluesKing777.

That’s true, BK, but that neck can be ordered on any Lowden, which I believe answers the OP’s question. His best bet, IMHO, is to talk directly to the team at Lowden and get the real gen from them as to what is, and isn’t, possible.

[BluesKing777]

Originally Posted by JayBee1404

That’s true, BK, but that neck can be ordered on any Lowden, which I believe answers the OP’s question. His best bet, IMHO, is to talk directly to the team at Lowden and get the real gen from them as to what is, and isn’t, possible.

I thought it might save waiting for a custom order......

Do you know what the wait is for a custom order, JB? I imagine it would be quite a while, where a Stage Edition, old or new....boom!

Nothing to do with above but I was in a music shop today with, gulp, desperately trying not to look, but a quick glance showed 6 or 7 various new Lowdens....including a F50 blackwood/sinker redwood....

Escaped, just.

BluesKing777.

[JayBee1404]

Originally Posted by BluesKing777

I thought it might save waiting for a custom order......

Do you know what the wait is for a custom order, JB? I imagine it would be quite a while, where a Stage Edition, old or new....boom!

Nothing to do with above but I was in a music shop today with, gulp, desperately trying not to look, but a quick glance showed 6 or 7 various new Lowdens....including a F50 blackwood/sinker redwood....

Escaped, just.

BluesKing777.

Sorry, no idea about custom orders, my interest has only ever been in ‘Original Series’ instruments, of which I’ve owned three, an O-10 (cedar/mahogany), an O-25 (cedar/EIR), and my current F-23.

I get your point about the Stage Edition Lowdens, that is a good solution provided the OP would be happy with the thinner body profile.