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Lowden, Avalon, Mcilroy guitars
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Author:  Terry Stowell [ Sun Aug 15, 2010 9:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Lowden, Avalon, Mcilroy guitars
Someone I know has been smitten with the Lowden, Avalon, Mcilroy guitar sound. I am wondering if anyone could assist me with building something very close to the Lowden f 35 model, in shape and sound. (the Andy Mckee sound, if you will) Any tracings, brace ideas, thicknesses, etc. are appreciated. I am on the front end of doing the research and not many high end music stores 'round here...

Thanks!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ddn4MGaS3N4
Author:  Arnt Rian [ Tue Aug 17, 2010 2:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Lowden, Avalon, Mcilroy guitars
I just had a 35 C on the bench for repairs, and I traced the body outline and took some brace measurements / placements. I suppose I could make a copy and mail it to you, if you're interested. You would have to "clean it up", its not a finished plan or anything...
Author:  bob_connor [ Tue Aug 17, 2010 4:52 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Lowden, Avalon, Mcilroy guitars
Here's a couple of bracing pics Terry

Attachment:
lowden.jpg


Attachment:
lowden[1].jpg


Regards
Author:  Terry Stowell [ Tue Aug 17, 2010 8:37 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Lowden, Avalon, Mcilroy guitars
Arnt,
thanks, that will help get an idea. I am not interested in copying directly, but trying to understand the sound.

Bob,
what model is this bracing from?
Author:  Terry Stowell [ Tue Aug 17, 2010 9:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Lowden, Avalon, Mcilroy guitars
Wow. It looks like the high "E " pin wouldn't have room to land on the bridge plate! Interesting pattern though. I really would like more info. Keep it coming...
Author:  Hupaand [ Tue Aug 17, 2010 9:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Lowden, Avalon, Mcilroy guitars
McIlroy has a bigger than average soundhole on the walnut/cedar. It's a cannon.
Author:  Hank Mauel [ Tue Aug 17, 2010 10:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Lowden, Avalon, Mcilroy guitars
Terry Stowell wrote:
Wow. It looks like the high "E " pin wouldn't have room to land on the bridge plate! Interesting pattern though. I really would like more info. Keep it coming...



Lowden uses a pinless bridge. If you are going to use a pinned bridge, some adjustment in plate size/brace location will be needed. But...that may also change the sound. May need to do the pinless style to stay as close to the Lowden architecture as possible.
Author:  douglas ingram [ Tue Aug 17, 2010 1:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Lowden, Avalon, Mcilroy guitars
WOW. He makes that look SOooo easy!

But I know that it is not.
Author:  Parames B [ Wed Aug 18, 2010 6:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Lowden, Avalon, Mcilroy guitars
There was a Lowden's shop tour story here; http://guitarmaking.blogspot.com/2007/0 ... -tour.html, which shows the process, tools and equipment in making Lowdens.
What's different from conventional tops I have noticted in Lowden is having 3 tone bars, instead of 2 mostly seen, and the braces running along the lower Xs instead of the usual finger braces.
Also, the pentagonal area of the soundhole/braces is stiffened with another piece of wood glued on.

I ever tried some and they were very complexed with overtones in my opinion.
Most fingerstylists might like this sort of sound but I have heard some complained about the too much overtones when flatpicking.
Author:  Terry Stowell [ Wed Aug 18, 2010 12:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Lowden, Avalon, Mcilroy guitars
That's right about the overtones. Some guitars are so full that they'd get lost in a live setting, or in a mix. But on their own, they shine.
Author:  segovia [ Wed Aug 18, 2010 4:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Lowden, Avalon, Mcilroy guitars
Lowden are not lacquered either, not sure what it is. I had an old F10 - ceder top - very good sound but very easy to scratch.
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