This Makes Me Drool

[OldStrummer]

As the new (10/2024) owner of a delicious Lowden acoustic guitar, I was intrigued by this new offering from the small acoustic guitar maker, the GL-J. This marks only the third electric guitar made by this Irish company, and Guitar World gives it 4.5 out of 5 stars (they deducted for price and the assumption that not everyone likes the natural wood look - and premium wood at that). They note it gives a nod to the Gibson ES-335, with its double-cut f-hole construction, but smaller in almost every dimension. It sports a 24.8-inch scale, and a 1.71-inch nut. It has a Gotoh tune-o-matic bridge and two humbuckers. The short verdict they give it is, "We could sum this up with two words: ?exceptional? and ?extraordinary?."

Having personal experience buying and playing Lowden guitars, this one gives me some real GAS.

[Offshore Angler]

OS, you should look at a Gibson 339. That would be a more appropriate comparison. The 339 is exactly what the guitar you show wants to be - a scaled sown 335/345. It will also destroy the Lowden for resale value, and probably be a higher quality and a bargain at around $3500 USD new. The GOTOH bridge is a Gibson Nashville style. Seems to me if it was a really premium guitar it would have the ABR1 style traditionally mounted.

Also, the Lowden has a screwy pickup mounting with no rings, so you need to remove the little wood covers to adjust the pickups. Looks like a major PITA. In other words, it's made to look pretty but not be a working player's instrument. I put the Lowden in the "man bun Telsa driver" player category. You know the type, "I'm a lawyer for doctors!" guys that have never had a paying gig in their life.

I'd also like to see the back and see if they cheaped out and used covers. Is it a flat or carved top? Looks flat in the pic. Semi hollow or full hollow or chambered? Long or short neck tenon? Binding? Lots to consider when purchasing a nice guitar.

Chuck

Just FYI: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...tric%20Guitars

[OldStrummer]

Oh heck, Chuck. I'm not buying -- I'm past all that. For now.