The Complete Lowden Guitar Price Guide 2026: Ireland's Handcrafted Acoustic Masterpiece

Last updated: February 2026

In 1974, George Lowden built his first guitar in a shed in Northern Ireland. Not in Nazareth. Not in El Cajon. In Downpatrick, County Down—where the craft of luthiery had no industrial tradition. He had no factory to inherit, no blueprint to follow. He had wood, tools, and an obsession with tone. What emerged was something different: the A-frame bracing that would become his signature, the "dolphin" voicing that gave his instruments their distinctive character, and body shapes (O, F, S, J) that balanced projection with comfort. By the 1980s, Pierre Bensusan was playing Lowden. By the 2010s, Ed Sheeran had fallen in love with a "Wee Lowden" gift from Gary Lightbody—and a partnership was born. Today, Lowden Guitars produces handcrafted acoustics in Downpatrick, with the Sheeran by Lowden line extending the brand to accessible price points. From $3,000 to $8,000+ for core models, Lowden represents Irish craftsmanship at its finest.

This guide breaks down Lowden pricing across the Original, 35, Jazz, and Sheeran by Lowden lines. Whether you're a fingerstyle player seeking the tone that inspired Bensusan or a Sheeran fan curious about the collaboration, understanding the market will help you make an informed decision.

Lowden Guitar Market Overview 2026

Lowden occupies the premium handcrafted acoustic segment—Irish-made instruments with distinctive voicing and strong resale value.

Key Market Statistics:

• Average Used Lowden Price: $4,200 (up 4% from 2025)
• Active Listings: Approximately 180 guitars currently for sale
• Monthly Sales Volume: Around 35 guitars sold per month
• Price Range: $2,000 (used Sheeran) to $8,000+ (premium O-series)

Lowden guitars hold value well. The combination of handcrafted construction, finite production, George Lowden's reputation, and the Ed Sheeran collaboration creates steady demand. Used prices have appreciated 4% annually. Sheeran by Lowden models offer entry at $800-$2,000.

Understanding Lowden's Philosophy

The A-Frame Revolution

George Lowden didn't copy Martin or Taylor. He invented. The A-frame bracing—so named for its distinctive shape—distributes stress differently than traditional X-bracing. The result: a responsive top that speaks quickly, with clarity and balance across the frequency range. Lowden tops are lighter, more alive. The A-frame is the foundation.

A-Frame Benefits:

1. Responsive Top: Quick attack, immediate response
2. Clarity: String separation and articulation
3. Balance: Even across lows, mids, highs
4. Distinctive Voice: Not Martin, not Taylor—Lowden

Dolphin Voicing

Lowden's "dolphin" voicing refers to the sculpted bracing and top graduation that creates their signature tone. Warm but articulate. Full but clear. The dolphin shape in the bracing pattern is both aesthetic and functional—part of the Lowden identity.

Body Shapes: O, F, S, J

O (Orchestra): Balanced, versatile—fingerstyle to light strumming. Most popular.

F (Folk): Slightly smaller, intimate—fingerstyle focus.

S (Small): Compact, travel-friendly—the "Wee Lowden" that won Ed Sheeran.

J (Jumbo): Bold projection—strumming and flatpicking.

The Ed Sheeran Partnership

In 2012, Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody commissioned a "Wee Lowden" as a gift for Ed Sheeran—who had admired Lowdens since childhood but found them too expensive. Sheeran used Lowden customs on tour. In January 2019, "Sheeran by Lowden" launched at NAMM: eight models in Wee and S sizes, designed to offer Lowden quality at accessible prices. The collaboration has since expanded with limited editions (Equals, Autumn Variations) and continues to introduce new players to the brand.

Lowden Original & 35 Series Pricing: $4,000-$8,000+

Handcrafted in Downpatrick—the heart of Lowden.

O-Series (Orchestra) (~$4,500-$7,000)

Specifications:

• Body: O shape—balanced, versatile
• Top: Solid cedar or spruce
• Back/Sides: Solid rosewood, mahogany, or walnut
• Bracing: A-frame, hand-scalloped
• Neck: Mahogany, dovetail joint
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Scale: 25.4" or 25.5"
• Nut Width: 1.75" or 1.8"
• Finish: Nitrocellulose

Why the O: The most versatile Lowden. Fingerstyle to strumming. Recording to stage. The O-25, O-32, O-35 (number denotes trim level) offer tiered appointments. Expect $4,500-$7,000 depending on woods and trim.

F-Series (Folk) (~$4,200-$6,500)

Specifications:

• Body: F shape—slightly smaller than O
• Top: Solid cedar or spruce
• Back/Sides: Solid rosewood or mahogany
• A-frame bracing
• Fingerstyle focus
• Intimate tone

Why the F: For fingerstyle specialists. Smaller body, quicker response. Pierre Bensusan's domain. The F-32 and F-35 deliver premium Lowden in a compact format.

S-Series (Small) (~$4,500-$6,000)

Specifications:

• Body: S shape—compact
• Travel-friendly
• Full Lowden voice in smaller package
• The "Wee Lowden" lineage

Why the S: The size that won Ed Sheeran. Compact without compromise. Ideal for smaller players or travel. S-50 premium: $10,000+.

J-Series (Jumbo) (~$5,000-$7,500)

Specifications:

• Body: J shape—bold projection
• Strumming and flatpicking
• Maximum volume
• A-frame in large format

Why the J: For players who need to cut through. Bold low end. Strumming focus. The jumbo that doesn't sacrifice Lowden clarity.

Used Original/35 Values: $3,500-$6,000 (excellent condition)

Lowden Jazz Series Pricing: $4,500-$6,500

Archtop-inspired design for jazz and fingerstyle.

Jazz Models (~$4,500-$6,500)

Specifications:

• Body: Jazz-appropriate dimensions
• Top: Solid spruce or cedar
• Back/Sides: Solid woods
• A-frame bracing
• Cutaway available
• Versatile for jazz and fingerstyle

Why the Jazz: Lowden's take on the jazz acoustic. Warm, articulate. Not a full archtop—a flat-top with jazz sensibility. For players who want Lowden tone in a jazz context.

Used Jazz Values: $3,500-$5,000 (excellent condition)

Sheeran by Lowden Pricing: $800-$2,500

The collaboration that extends Lowden to accessible prices.

Wee Lowden / S-Series (~$800-$1,500)

Specifications:

• Body: Wee or S size—compact
• Top: Solid spruce or cedar
• Back/Sides: Layered or solid depending on model
• Designed with Ed Sheeran input
• Built to Lowden standards at accessible price
• Made in Ireland (premium) or elsewhere (entry)

Why Sheeran by Lowden: The gateway. Ed Sheeran's goal: make quality guitars accessible to young players. Eight models at launch. Wee and S sizes. The tone that inspired Sheeran, at prices that don't require a record deal.

Limited Editions (~$1,500-$2,500)

Specifications:

• Equals Edition (2021): 3,000 units, butterfly inlays, album symbolism
• Autumn Variations: California redwood, premium construction
• Commemorative releases
• Collector interest

Used Sheeran by Lowden Values: $600-$1,800 (excellent condition)

Where to Buy Lowden Guitars: Platform Comparison

Online Marketplace Analysis

Reverb (Average Price: $4,350)

• Best selection of used Lowden
• Acoustic and fingerstyle community
• 4.5% price appreciation year-over-year
• Best for: O-series, F-series, Sheeran

Sweetwater (Average Price: $5,800)

• New Lowden inventory
• Professional setup
• 3.5% appreciation
• Best for: New purchases with warranty

eBay (Average Price: $3,900)

• Occasional deals
• 4.0% price trend
• Best for: Sheeran by Lowden, used O-series

Authorized Dealers (Average Price: $5,500)

• New Lowden only
• Try before buy
• Heartbreaker Guitars, The Acoustic Shoppe, etc.
• Best for: Hands-on experience

Tips for Buying Used Lowden

1. A-Frame Verification: Lowden's A-frame is distinctive. Ensure no structural issues
2. Body Shape: O, F, S, J—each has different character. Know what you want
3. Ed Sheeran Models: Sheeran by Lowden has different tiers. Premium vs. entry—check specs
4. Irish Construction: Core Lowden is Downpatrick-made. Sheeran line may vary—verify
5. Top Condition: Solid spruce and cedar—inspect for cracks, especially around bridge
6. Case: Original Lowden case adds value

Lowden vs. Competitors

How Lowden compares at the premium acoustic level:

Lowden Advantage: A-frame bracing—distinctive voice. Irish craftsmanship. Ed Sheeran collaboration extends reach. Pierre Bensusan endorsement. Not Martin, not Taylor—Lowden.

When Others Win: Martin for classic dreadnought heritage. Taylor for cutaway and electronics at lower price. Collings for American boutique refinement.

Famous Lowden Players

Artists who choose Lowden guitars:

• Ed Sheeran: Sheeran by Lowden collaboration, signature models, Wee Lowden
• Pierre Bensusan: F-series for fingerstyle mastery
• Gary Lightbody (Snow Patrol): Commissioned the Wee Lowden for Sheeran
• Fingerstyle community: Lowden widely adopted
• Folk and acoustic artists: O and F series on stages worldwide

Investment Potential: Which Lowdens Hold Value?

Strong Value Retention

Core Lowden (O, F, S, J):

• 70-85% retention for excellent condition
• 4% annual appreciation typical
• Finite production supports demand
• A-frame and Irish craft maintain appeal

Premium Models (O-35, S-50):

• Higher retention
• Rare woods and appointments
• Collector interest

Good Value

Sheeran by Lowden:

• 60-75% retention
• Broader market due to Sheeran name
• Entry-level depreciation on some models
• Limited editions may appreciate

Note: Lowden guitars are instruments for playing. The value proposition is Irish craftsmanship and distinctive tone—not speculative investment. That said, used prices have appreciated 4% annually.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Lowden

For Fingerstyle Players ($3,500-$6,000)

Recommended Models:

• F-32 or F-35: Fingerstyle focus at $4,200-$6,500
• O-25 or O-32: Versatile at $4,500-$6,000
• Used O or F: At $3,500-$5,000

What to Prioritize:

• Cedar vs. spruce top (cedar warmer, spruce brighter)
• Body size (F for intimate, O for versatile)
• Nut width (1.75" vs. 1.8")

For Versatile Players ($4,000-$7,000)

Recommended Models:

• O-25 or O-32: The workhorse at $4,500-$6,000
• Used O-series: At $3,500-$5,000

What to Prioritize:

• O shape for fingerstyle to strumming
• Wood combination
• Cutaway if performing

For Budget-Conscious Buyers ($800-$2,000)

Recommended Models:

• Sheeran by Lowden Wee or S: At $800-$1,500
• Used Sheeran by Lowden: At $600-$1,200
• Used Lowden entry: Rare at $2,000-$2,500

What to Prioritize:

• Sheeran collaboration delivers Lowden DNA at accessible price
• Body size (Wee or S)
• Solid top minimum

For Collectors and Serious Players ($6,000-$8,000+)

Recommended Models:

• O-35 or S-50: Premium at $6,000-$10,000+
• Jumbo: Bold projection at $5,000-$7,500
• Used premium: At $5,000-$6,500

What to Prioritize:

• Wood combinations
• Trim level
• Rarity and condition

The Lowden Difference: A-Frame and Irish Craft

What You're Paying For:

• A-frame bracing—no one else builds it
• Dolphin voicing—distinctive Lowden tone
• Handcrafted in Downpatrick—Irish craftsmanship
• George Lowden's 50-year legacy
• Ed Sheeran partnership—accessibility and visibility

Compare: Play a Lowden O alongside a Martin OM. The A-frame speaks differently—quicker, more articulate, warmer mids. Lowden doesn't copy. It invents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where are Lowden guitars made? A: Core Lowden guitars are handcrafted in Downpatrick, County Down, Northern Ireland. George Lowden Guitars Ltd. operates workshops there. Sheeran by Lowden models may vary—some built in Ireland, some elsewhere. Check specific model.

Q: What is A-frame bracing? A: George Lowden's signature bracing pattern. It distributes stress differently than traditional X-bracing, resulting in a more responsive top with clarity and balance. The "A" shape is both structural and aesthetic. Exclusive to Lowden.

Q: What's the Ed Sheeran connection? A: In 2012, Gary Lightbody commissioned a "Wee Lowden" as a gift for Ed Sheeran. Sheeran had admired Lowdens but found them too expensive. He used Lowden customs on tour. In 2019, "Sheeran by Lowden" launched—eight models to make Lowden quality accessible. The collaboration continues with limited editions.

Q: How does Lowden compare to Martin and Taylor? A: Different voice. Lowden's A-frame creates warmer, more articulate tone than Martin's X-brace. More responsive than Taylor's V-Class in some contexts. Lowden is Irish craft; Martin and Taylor are American. Try all three—tone is personal.

Q: Are Sheeran by Lowden guitars good? A: Yes. Designed with Ed Sheeran input, built to Lowden standards. They offer the Lowden aesthetic and playability at accessible prices. The goal: encourage young players. Quality varies by tier—premium models approach core Lowden.

Q: What body shape should I choose? A: O for versatility—fingerstyle to strumming. F for fingerstyle focus. S for compact and travel. J for bold projection and strumming. Most players start with O.

Conclusion

George Lowden built his first guitar in a Northern Ireland shed in 1974. No factory. No tradition. Just wood, tools, and a vision. The A-frame bracing and dolphin voicing that emerged would define a brand. Pierre Bensusan adopted it. Ed Sheeran fell in love with a Wee Lowden—and a partnership that extends the craft to millions was born.

The O-series at $4,500-$7,000 delivers the versatile Lowden voice. The F-series serves fingerstyle specialists. The Sheeran by Lowden line at $800-$2,500 opens the door. From Downpatrick to the world's stages, Lowden represents Irish craftsmanship at its finest—the A-frame that never copied, the tone that inspired a superstar.

For the most current pricing and availability, check authorized Lowden dealers or the official Lowden website. Prices fluctuate based on wood availability and model configuration.

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