When the worlds of high-end luthier craftsmanship and pop music stardom collide, the result can be truly special. The Sheeran by Lowden S02 acoustic guitar is a testament to this, born from the collaboration between George Lowden, renowned for his exquisite instruments, and Ed Sheeran, a global music icon. For guitar players seeking a blend of quality and playability, without the boutique price tag typically associated with Lowden Guitars, the S02 presents a compelling option.
The partnership between George Lowden and Ed Sheeran was a natural fit. Sheeran, already successful with his signature Martin guitars aimed at entry-level players, sought to create a more refined instrument. Lowden guitars, with their long-standing reputation for exceptional quality and craftsmanship, were the ideal partner. Sheeran’s personal connection to Lowden, owning a Wee Lowden gifted by Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody, further solidified this collaboration. The Sheeran by Lowden range aims to bring the essence of Lowden’s design philosophy to a broader audience.
The S02 model, while part of the Sheeran range, echoes the DNA of classic Lowden guitars. It takes inspiration from the Wee Lowden’s smaller body size but expands slightly to Lowden’s “S” body shape. Featuring a solid Sitka spruce top and Santos rosewood back and sides – albeit laminated for enhanced durability and affordability – the S02 prioritizes functionality and robust construction. Built in Northern Ireland, near the main Lowden workshop, these guitars benefit from a meticulous build process. The design is deliberately minimalist, focusing on essential features without unnecessary ornamentation, a hallmark of Lowden’s practical elegance.
While the use of laminated back and sides might deviate from traditional high-end guitar construction, it serves a crucial purpose in the S02. Lamination increases the guitar’s resilience to humidity and temperature changes, making it an ideal instrument for travel and varied environments. This construction choice also contributes to the guitar’s solid feel. Weighing in at 4.2 lbs, the S02 feels substantial and well-balanced, offering comfort during extended playing sessions, especially enhanced by the smoothly bevelled top edge. Despite its practical design, subtle refinements like this bevelled edge highlight the thoughtful construction. The overall build is remarkably clean, with only minor imperfections, demonstrating a high level of attention to detail. The ebony fretboard and bridge are substantial and contribute to the guitar’s premium feel, complemented by flawlessly finished frets and a precisely cut nut and saddle. Chrome closed-gear tuners ensure reliable tuning stability.
Inside the S02, the bracing pattern and internal woodwork further reflect Lowden’s design principles. The Sitka spruce top utilizes A-frame bracing for optimal resonance, while the five-layer laminated rosewood back foregoes bracing altogether, relying on its inherent rigidity. This construction choice speaks to the company’s confidence in the stability of the laminated material. The integrated L.R. Baggs Element VTC pickup system is neatly installed, with unobtrusive controls just inside the soundhole and tidy wiring. Access to the truss rod is available both at the headstock, under a small rosewood cover, and via the soundhole, showcasing practical design considerations.
Upon playing the Sheeran by Lowden S02, the immediate impression is its vibrant resonance. The solid spruce top vibrates freely, transmitting energy down the mahogany neck. While it may lack some of the ornate appointments of a full-fledged Lowden, the S02 delivers where it counts: in sound and playability. The mahogany neck, while simpler in construction compared to Lowden’s typically elaborate laminated necks, boasts a comfortable, slim profile, ideal for both beginners and players with smaller hands. The shorter 24-4/5 inch scale length further enhances playability, making chord work and intricate fingerpicking patterns easier on the hands.
The choice of solid Sitka spruce for the top is crucial to the S02’s acoustic character. The spruce is carefully selected, featuring a straight, tight grain, and is thinned to optimize resonance on the robust body. The resulting acoustic tone is clear and balanced, with a pleasing character. The bass response is understandably moderate given the smaller body size, and it may not project the sheer volume of a dreadnought. However, the S02 truly shines in the midrange, delivering a sweet, articulate sound that lends itself beautifully to various musical styles, from folk to fingerstyle. It produces a distinctive “quack” when picked with moderate force, adding to its tonal versatility. The combination of the shorter scale and the slim Lowden neck profile makes playing chords across the fretboard a genuine pleasure.
Plugging the S02 into an amplifier reveals its stage-ready capabilities. Connected to a 1970s Music Man HD-130 amp, the L.R. Baggs Element VTC pickup system effectively translates the guitar’s acoustic nuances. The pickup system captures ample bass response from the lower strings and maintains clarity across the entire frequency spectrum, faithfully reproducing the guitar’s natural acoustic voice without sounding overly processed or artificial. This makes the S02 an excellent choice for performing musicians, from beginners taking their first steps on stage to seasoned professionals needing a reliable and great-sounding instrument for live performance.
Positioned in the market above entry-level models like the Taylor Academy series and Little Martin guitars, yet below higher-end instruments like a Larrivée P-03, the Sheeran by Lowden S02 occupies a sweet spot in terms of price and quality. This versatile guitar presents exceptional value, offering a blend of pleasing acoustic tone, high-quality construction, premium materials, and excellent onboard electronics. For guitar players seeking an instrument that embodies Lowden’s renowned craftsmanship in a more accessible package, the Sheeran by Lowden S02 is undoubtedly worth exploring. It’s a guitar that promises to satisfy across various playing scenarios, from home practice to stage performances.
SPECS
BODY S (small) body (14-3/4″ lower bout, 4″ deep, 19″ long); solid Sitka spruce top with Lowden A-frame bracing; laminated five-layer Santos rosewood back and sides; ebony bridge; Tusq saddle with 11mm (.43″) string spacing; satin polyurethane finish
NECK 14 fret, 24-4/5″-scale mahogany neck; slim C-shape profile; adjustable truss rod; bolt-on neck joint; ebony fretboard; 1-3/4″ Tusq nut; chrome enclosed gear tuners; satin polyurethane finish
OTHER L.R. Baggs Element VTC electronics; Lowden light (.012–.053) phosphor bronze strings; gig bag
PRICE $1,225 street
MADE IN Ireland
