❌SOLD❌ Lowden S12 Spruce Steel String Guitar Natural, 1997

Built during 1997 at Newtonwards, Northern Ireland, this Lowden S12 pairs a Sitka Spruce top with Mahogany for the sides, back and neck. The ‘S’ in the model name indicates that the body is classed as ‘Small’. However it is deeper at 4.25 inches (108mm) to 4 inches (102mm) compared to the Martin OM at 4.125 inches (105mm) to 3.25 inches (82.55mm). This extra depth can add bass and fullness to the tone, helpful in down-tunings like DADGAD. The Mahogany back and sides balance this with a bit of high-end sparkle, in the same way that a Mahogany Martin D-18 is a bit brighter than a Rosewood D-28.

The top’s finish has a light tint, giving the appearance of Cedar. However, looking at the inside of the top and its grain structure, it is Sitka Spruce. The neck is built of three Mahogany layers separated by Ebony, clearly visible on the back of the neck and sides of the heel. The gold-coloured tuners are Lowden branded with faux Amber buttons; the nut and split saddle are bone.

Overall this Lowden S12 is in good condition with light play wear. At some point, the pinless bridge was professionally re-glued. It plays nicely, and is responsive having a well developed voice with plenty of volume and projection.

The original Lowden-branded Hiscox lightweight flight case is included.

Lowden Guitars began in 1974 with George Lowden reaching the decision to build professionally. Opening a shop in Groomsport, County Down, Northern Ireland. Orders grew and in 1980 his Swiss distributors sparked a five-year contract to have Lowden guitars built under license by dedicated workers at S. Yairi in Japan as a way of making these models more available. At the end of this contract, Lowden chose to bring all production to Bangor, County Down. In 1988, financial pressures forced the company into receivership. The company was purchased by a local group and renamed the Lowden Guitar Company, with George retaining ownership of the designs and trademarks and providing quality control. This new company moved to a plant in Newtownards. In 2003, the arrangement ended, and new workshops were established in Downpatrick.