Lowden GL-J Electric Guitar
Series: GL Electric Series Body Shape: Double-Cutaway Semi-Hollow Orientation: Right-Handed Finish: Natural Satin (finish and tonewood options vary)
Overview
The Lowden GL-J is a handcrafted electric guitar from Northern Ireland that combines Lowden's renowned attention to wood selection and construction with the compact proportions of a double-cutaway, semi-hollow electric. Inspired by classic semi-hollow designs, the GL-J features a sculpted body with elegant f-holes, a distinctive carved top and a natural finish that showcases the character of its carefully selected tonewoods. Its semi-hollow construction provides a comfortable, lightweight feel while retaining the resonance and sustain expected from a premium electric guitar.
The guitar pairs a mahogany body with a premium figured wood top, with options including Tasmanian Blackwood, walnut, koa, ebony and maple. This combination delivers a balanced, articulate voice with warmth, clarity and strong note definition. Two Lollar Imperial humbuckers provide vintage-inspired dynamics, responding expressively to picking intensity and volume adjustments while covering everything from smooth jazz and blues to rich, overdriven rock tones.
A five-piece mahogany and rosewood neck, ebony fingerboard and 630mm scale length create a distinctive playing feel. The recessed Gotoh Tune-O-Matic-style bridge and through-body stringing system contribute to the guitar's sustain, while Gotoh tuning machines provide reliable tuning stability. With its refined detailing, carefully fitted components and handmade Northern Irish construction, the GL-J offers a premium alternative to more conventional semi-hollow electric guitars.
Key Features
Playability and Comfort
The 630mm (24.8") scale length offers a slightly shorter feel than a standard 25.5" electric guitar scale. The mahogany and rosewood laminated neck is shaped for comfortable playing, while the ebony fingerboard and 22 medium frets provide a smooth, responsive surface. The compact double-cutaway body is designed to sit comfortably whether playing seated or standing.
Tonewoods and Construction
The GL-J combines a one-piece mahogany back with a figured tonewood top, available in several premium wood options depending on specification. Its semi-hollow construction features hollowed body wings and a carefully sculpted top, balancing resonance with a solid central section for the bridge and pickups. A five-piece mahogany and rosewood neck adds structural stability, while the ebony fingerboard completes the premium construction.
Electronics
Two Lollar Imperial humbuckers deliver a clear, dynamic sound inspired by vintage PAF-style pickups. Their articulate response and balanced output suit clean jazz and blues tones as well as driven rock sounds. A three-way toggle selects the neck pickup, both pickups or the bridge pickup, with master volume and master tone controls providing straightforward adjustment.
Hardware and Setup
The GL-J features a recessed Gotoh Tune-O-Matic-style bridge with through-body stringing and an inset brass sustain plate. Gotoh tuning machines with ebony buttons provide precise tuning, while the instrument's carefully machined hardware and bridge installation support its resonant, sustaining character.
Design Details
The double-cutaway body features a carved, subtly arched top and a pair of f-holes, giving the GL-J a distinctive semi-hollow appearance. Ebony fingerboard binding, contrasting wood detailing and finely fitted rear control covers reflect Lowden's focus on craftsmanship. The available top woods and finishes allow the natural grain and figure of each instrument to remain a central part of its design.
Specifications
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Category
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Detail
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Series
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GL Electric Series
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Body Shape
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Double-Cutaway Semi-Hollow
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Body Back
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Mahogany
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Top Wood
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Maple
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Construction
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Semi-Hollow with Solid Central Section
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Neck Material
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Five-Piece Mahogany and Rosewood
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Neck Joint
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Glued-In
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Fingerboard
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Ebony
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Number of Frets
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22
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Fret Size
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Medium (standard specification)
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Scale Length
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24.8" (630 mm)
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Nut Material
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Bone
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Nut Width
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Approximately 43.5 mm
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Pickups
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2 x Lollar Imperial Humbuckers
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Pickup Configuration
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HH
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Controls
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Master Volume, Master Tone
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Switching
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3-Position Toggle
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Bridge
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Recessed Gotoh Tune-O-Matic-Style
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Stringing
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Through-Body with Brass Sustain Plate
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Tuning Machines
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Gotoh 510 with Ebony Buttons
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Fingerboard Binding
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Ebony
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Country of Manufacture
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Northern Ireland
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Case
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Lowden Case
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Why Choose This Guitar?
The Lowden GL-J is ideal for players who want:
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A handcrafted Northern Irish electric guitar with distinctive semi-hollow construction
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A warm, articulate sound from mahogany and premium figured tonewoods
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Lollar Imperial humbuckers with vintage-inspired dynamics and clarity
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A comfortable 630mm scale length, five-piece neck and ebony fingerboard
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Premium Gotoh hardware, through-body stringing and refined Lowden craftsmanship
