The Long Game

Having established its sumptuous acoustic-guitar range on the world stage, Lowden introduced its first production electric model to the line-up in 2018. We check in on progress

- Words Dave Burrluck

LOWDEN GL-J FROM £3,950

CONTACT Lowden Guitars PHONE [phone] WEB www.lowdenguitars.​com

Think 'Lowden' and you'll probably imagine an impeccably built acoustic guitar used by countless artists such as Richard Thompson, Alex De Grassi, Pierre Bensusan and Paul Brady.

There's also Ed Sheeran and Myles Smith who have since given the Northern Irish brand, now into its sixth decade, huge mainstream visibility. And, as we've documented, it was actually Ed Sheeran who kickstarted our topic here: the Lowden electric guitar.

We last caught up with progress in issue 521, back in late 2024, some while after George Lowden had conceived and launched the first electric model, the single-cut solidbody GL-10. By then, that original model had been joined by the new GL-J, a semisolid design loosely inspired by George's love of Cream and all things Gibson ES-335. Inspiration aside, the GL-J has little in common with that classic Gibson, and a little over a year since its introduction it's evolved into the guitar we have here on review.

In Build

To recap, like the GL-10, the GL-J is centred around a 630mm (24.8-inch) scale length, which will feel very familiar to those of you who enjoy its initial inspiration. But measuring approximately 356mm (14 inches) across its lower bouts, it's a lot more compact, likewise its 37mm rim depth, while the overall depth is actually very slightly slimmer than a Telecaster at 43mm. The guitar's back is centre-joined African mahogany topped with a variety of hardwoods such as Tasmanian blackwood, figured walnut, koa or maple, the latter of which is used here, with a fine, down-turning figure.