1961

In the summer of 1961, at the age of ten, George Lowden took his first step toward what would become a lifelong journey in guitar making. Along with his friend Alan French and the help of Alan's father, a boat builder in Groomsport, County Down, they crafted their first “guitars.” These instruments, made with fishing line for strings, bent nails for frets, and a square soundbox, were rudimentary, but they ignited George's passion for guitar making.

1969

At 18, George’s passion for building guitars only grew. He attempted to build an electric guitar that was, in his words, "more recognisable as a guitar, but barely so!" During this time, George dreamed of becoming Ireland’s answer to legendary guitarists like Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix.

1974

After much contemplation, George decided to pursue guitar making professionally. Equipped with basic woodworking tools and an excellent booklet from English luthier John Bailley, he began his journey. Over the next two years, he taught himself to use woodworking tools, experimenting with body shapes, bracing designs, and varnishing techniques. George learned through trial and error, slowly refining his craft while navigating the challenges of self-teaching.

1976

Through years of experimentation and prayer, George became increasingly aware of the physics of sound production in acoustic guitars. This led to his innovative bracing design, including the "Dolphin" strut profiles and A-frame bracing, which would become a hallmark of Lowden guitars. The first guitars with these innovations were completed in 1976, marking a significant step in George’s journey. He was also grateful to luthiers Stephen Delft and Chris Eccleshall for their guidance and support during this period of growth.

1977

By this year, the O-25 (back then the model was called the L-25) had emerged, alongside three other models sharing similar shapes, bracing, and simple cosmetics. George was thrilled with the tone and craftsmanship of these guitars. A breakthrough came when his friend, Alastair Burke, showed one of George’s guitars to Folk Quincampoix, a major acoustic guitar shop in Paris. The shop placed an immediate order for six guitars, with a request for four more every month, leading to a surge in sales. This success prompted George to expand his workshop and hire his first apprentices.

1980

Yves Imer and Rene Hagmann of Servette Musique in Geneva had supported George since discovering his guitars in 1978. In 1980, Yves sought permission from George to have guitars made under license in Japan for wider distribution. This led to a five-year collaboration with the S.Yairi workshop near Nagoya. George frequently visited the workshop, observing the craftsmanship and efficiency of the team, which taught him much about production and the amazing Japanese hand tools.

1985

The 1980s brought a shift in musical tastes, with electronic music becoming more dominant and leading to a decline in acoustic guitar sales. In response, George decided to set up a new facility in Ireland, where he rented a building in Bangor, County Down, and trained a new generation of craftsmen to build Lowden guitars.

1986

Micky Uchida, a skilled classical guitar maker, joined the Lowden team after reaching out to George for an apprenticeship. Recognizing Micky’s talent, George offered him the position of factory manager. During these years, Lowden Guitars saw significant growth, producing 500 to 600 guitars annually, and solidifying its place in the industry.

1988

Despite the challenges of the declining acoustic guitar market, the Lowden brand continued to gain recognition. However, in November 1988, the company faced financial difficulties, and George made the difficult decision to close the business. A local consortium purchased the assets and rebranded the company as The Lowden Guitar Company, with George retaining ownership of the designs and trademark. He continued to provide quality control and new designs while continuing his work as an independent luthier.

1989

George relocated his family to France, where he continued to design and build custom guitars, including classical guitars. He also worked with The Lowden Guitar Co., designing new steel-string guitars and assisting with quality control.

1990

George returned to Ireland and resumed building custom acoustics and classical guitars for individual clients. His classical guitar design, developed with the help of a Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship, gained recognition. George also continued working with The Lowden Guitar Co., contributing new designs and maintaining quality standards.

1991

Micky Uchida decided to return to Japan to start his own solo luthier business, marking a transition for Lowden Guitars. George and Micky have kept in close touch to this day.

1996

George trained his eldest son, Daniel, in classical guitar making. During this time, he also designed new models for Lowden, including the Small Body, the Jazz, and the Premier Range (now known as the 35 Series).

1998

To celebrate 25 years of guitar making, George designed the 25th Anniversary Limited Edition Model, marking a significant milestone for the brand.

2000

As demand for Lowden guitars increased, George designed the Millennium Twins—pairs of guitars made from matching sets of figured walnut and redwood from naturally fallen trees, showcasing Lowden's dedication to craftsmanship and innovation.

2003

The licensing agreement with The Lowden Guitar Co. ended, and production of Lowden guitars at the Newtownards factory ceased at the end of the year.

2004

Lowden Guitars became a family-owned business under the name George Lowden Guitars Ltd. New workshops were established in Downpatrick, County Down, Ireland, and George continued to oversee every aspect of production. The 30th Anniversary was marked with a Limited Edition pear-wood guitar, and several new designs were introduced, including a redesigned 'S' model and a nylon-string Jazz model based on George’s classical bracing design.

2006

To meet growing demand for custom guitars, the ‘50’ Series Custom Shop was launched, offering clients the opportunity to choose from a Reserve Selection of Master Grade tonewoods. George’s son Aaron began his apprenticeship in the workshops, following in his father's footsteps.

2007

The Richard Thompson and Alex de Grassi Signature Models were introduced, celebrating the long-standing relationship between these legendary musicians and Lowden Guitars.

2008

This year saw the introduction of several exciting new models, including the famous 'Lucky Strike' Limited Edition featuring Sinker Redwood tops and The Baritone guitar. The re-introduction of the 22 model and a Brazilian Rosewood/Alpine Spruce version of the Jazz Series were also added.

2009

Lowden celebrated their partnership with Pierre Bensusan by introducing the Pierre Bensusan Signature model, featuring a unique soundbox bevel designed by George. This bevel quickly became a popular option in the 35 and 50 Series.

2012

George ventured into creating guitars with a 'fan' fretboard, a concept dating back to medieval times. This unique design enhanced tonal qualities by varying the scale length between the bass and treble strings. In the same year, Lowden introduced the Thomas Leeb Signature model, recognizing the Austrian artist’s contribution to acoustic guitar playing.

2013

Lowden celebrated the Irish connection with Paul Brady through the introduction of the Paul Brady Signature model. The Stage Edition 32SE was also launched, designed specifically for on-stage performance.

2014

George Lowden marked his 40th anniversary as a guitar maker with a special Limited Edition package, available for any guitar in the range. The year also saw the launch of the Wee Lowden, a new, smaller design created for Ed Sheeran.

2017

In partnership with Bushmills Irish Whiskey, Lowden released a Limited Edition guitar to celebrate the craftsmanship of both barrel making and guitar making. These guitars, made from ancient bog oak and Sinker Redwood, featured custom inlays of luthier and cooper tools.

2018

Bushmills commissioned a second Limited Edition guitar, this time celebrating the copper still. The guitars were made from African Blackwood with Alpine Spruce soundboards, and featured unique inlays made from copper and wood from sherry casks. Ed Sheeran also commissioned a solid-body electric guitar from George, which led to the creation of the GL10.

2019

Lowden introduced several new models at the Winter NAMM Show, including the F35 12-fret and the Wee Lowden Jazz model. They also launched the Sheeran by Lowden range, a series of guitars designed for aspiring young players.