George Lowden strikes a chord at Bangor Rotary

On Wednesday 29th September, George Lowden, the well-known maker of guitars, returned to Bangor as the Guest Speaker at Bangor Rotary’s weekly lunch.  

George grew up in Bangor and established his first workshop in the town. Today, Lowden Guitars has expanded with 80 employees at its factory in Downpatrick, exporting quality guitars across the globe.  

George explained how his friendship with Ed Sheeran developed. It started with a commission from Gary Lightbody to make a guitar as a present for Ed.  George produced a special instrument which he called the “Wee Guitar”. Since then, Ed Sheeran has bought around a hundred Lowden guitars, many of which he gives away to young and aspiring musicians. 

George brought four guitars from his range along with him. Many are constructed from selected Amazonian and other hardwoods to give a distinctive sound and timbre.