What do you think is a poor man’s Lowden (Models O22 or O25)?

[GuitarVlog]

Tried an O22 and O25. Loved the tones of both. Can’t afford either. Such is life.

What sub-$1000 alternatives would you recommend based on your experiences? They don’t have to be all-solids.

[Mr. Bill]

I have had a O25c since 1998.I love it, and have found nothing that is better for me. If that is the sound you are after, start saving, and pick up one used.

[zmf]

Originally Posted by GuitarVlog

What sub-$1000 alternatives would you recommend based on your experiences?

Based on the sounds that come out of my O23, I don't there are any. But I'm not adverse to being proven wrong.

This may sound strange, but maybe a Seagull S6 cedar? Those I've played have an airy quality. But there's distance between them.

[GuitarVlog]

Originally Posted by zmf

This may sound strange, but maybe a Seagull S6 cedar? Those I've played have an airy quality. But there's distance between them.

Interesting that you should say that. I have an older Seagull SWS spruce/mahogany and it’s the closest that I’ve found (but not close enough).

[stevecuss]

Originally Posted by GuitarVlog

Tried an O22 and O25. Loved the tones of both. Can’t afford either. Such is life.

What sub-$1000 alternatives would you recommend based on your experiences? They don’t have to be all-solids.

Your closest option is to head over to the Classifieds and find the liquidation post on the business classifieds. Marc has Avalon guitars for a steal (above your budget, but well below their value.)

Avalon are made in the old Lowden factory by Lowden staff and will get you as close as possible on a budget.

If you must stick with the sub $1000 budget, then I'm not sure how to help - possibly a Czech built Avalon.

[Rosewood99]

Sub $1000? That’s not a poor man’s Lowden, It’s a destitute one..

[Dru Edwards]

Originally Posted by Rosewood99

Sub $1000? That’s not a poor man’s Lowden, It’s a destitute one..

lol.

I have an F25 and I can't think of any guitar I've played in a $1k range that is anything like a Lowden. It's a great question though and I'll be following the responses.

[erhino41]

The Yairi built Lowdens can be had for under $2000, if your patient, and sound like the Irish built lowdens. There's a players grade Irish built f10 on reverb for $2000.

[GuitarsFromMars]

I bought an early 90's S25, on the AGF, for about $1600. She was a little beat up (cedar top) but sounded amazing. Came with an aftermarket case.

Buy used, save up, play everything.

If you want a deal, you must be patient.

[scotchnspeed]

Flambeau. They come up on reverb or ebay every so often.

[Benjo]

Lowden are worth saving up for, and agree w the advice to buy used.

[musicman1951]

I agree that closest you're going to get would be an Avalon, but you're going to have to consider this a dream worth saving for - I can't imagine a sub- $1K Avalon.

A quick glance on eBay just had the cheapest Lowden around $3,000.

[cmac]

I've had an O25 for 12 years. From then until now, spread over time, it has cost me only slightly more than the price of a coffee each week.

Sure, week 1 is expensive. But the rest of them are not, and for every single one of them you have a Lowden to play with.

[buddyhu]

That’s like asking for a car that is like an new Audi, but only costs as much as a used Hyundai. Depending on what you think are the important similarities, you may be able to find a compromise that suits you, but you will still have to pay more than your budget.

[Benjo]

Originally Posted by cmac

I've had an O25 for 12 years. From then until now, spread over time, it has cost me only slightly more than the price of a coffee each week.

Sure, week 1 is expensive. But the rest of them are not, and for every single one of them you have a Lowden to play with.

Well said. Puts it into perspective.