Sheeran By Lowden S03 Full Review (after 4 weeks of use)
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- čas přidán 14. 07. 2024
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Great review and to see a fellow Band IN a Box influencer
Thank you and isn’t it amazing? Makes it so much easier to create my content.
Great review. Listening through my Bose hooked to my Mac the Anthem SL sounded richer and fuller. I preferred that. I had a Cedar top Maton before and fell in love with the wood sound. I use a .9mm pick and love the sound of it over spruce.
Thank you! Yea I much prefer the Anthem tone. I hope to try more Lowdens in the future.
Nice review
Thanks!
Awesome video. 😉👍
Thanks Paul!
Good review and I think you’re spot on re fingerstyle. The acoustic reviews I’ve seen have all sounded better when finger picked as appose to strumming. You should do a video like the Martin with you finger picking.
Hey Andy. I feel that most small body acoustic guitars are more suited to fingerstyle playing, it’s what they excel at. Not that you can’t strum them of course and they are extremely comfortable to play.
When I purchased my S04 I also got a pick guard from Lowden. There was a long wait for guitar and luckily before I went to collect, the store mentioned to me I should speak with Lowden to check if I could fit. I had bought a clear guard and it was advised that the glue doesn’t become completely transparent on the top due to finish on the guitars and as it wasn’t perfect when they tested they would advise not to fit. The options would be solid colour and they said they felt it ruined the look and I would agree. They did mention the prototypes have held up pretty well considering they have no guard. I like you can see small marks but nothing obvious unless inspected and manoeuvred about a bright light.
The standard Lowden pick guards do not fit and need to be modified. I agree that it looks better without. Your guitar has the Sitka top which is a harder wood than the S03. That is the problem with mine but if you play fingerstyle it’s fine, guitars are for playing. Just something to bear in mind.
Aaron Short Music Ah I didn’t realise. I was under the impression the one I bought from Lowden would fit as it was compatible with the Lowden S shape so thought it would fit the Sheeran. Lowden didn’t mention this when I spoke to them, just the way it adhered to the surface wasn’t perfect so you could see the glue through the guard.
Thanks for this amazing review! I am hesitating between the s03 and s04 models. I will have to order them online so will not be able to test them personally. I'm afraid to do the wrong choice regarding the sound-wood relationship. I usually play unplugged and without a pick. Any advice? Thanks
If you never plug in and don’t use a pick I would suggest the S03 with no pickup.
You may already be aware, but Lowden do sell a couple of pick guards on their website. They’re currently reduced to £8, Tortoiseshell or Clear. They may require cutting down slightly to accommodate the small body, I’m not 100% sure. Enjoyed the review, thanks.
Hi Steve, I did know that but I was told that even if they are cut down they don’t fit too good.
Aaron Short Music Ok Aaron fair comment, I’d read on a Lowden page that somebody had done it. Clearly Lowden need to source a guitar specific guard to suit the Sheeran range especially the Cedar tops. Heavy players will be through them in no time.
Steve Selwood Yeah or like I said in the video you should consider the Sitka Spruce version of you use a heavy pick. I’m glad I can pass that info along. I’m still learning about tonewoods.
Aaron Short Music I’m lucky I guess, I have a Lowden 010 Cedar top (with a clear pick guard) and an old Lowden L27FC which has a Spruce top. I realise that most people aren’t fortunate enough to be in that position and I’m truly grateful to be able to own such beautiful instruments.
Steve Selwood Very nice!
~ cool,greetings from germany ~
Amazing review, I would like to have heard a demo but that is no problem. How does it compare to other small body guitars or even an OM body?
Thanks! It does not sound like a Martin OM but it is smaller (and less expensive) than an OM and as someone here pointed out Ed uses his guitars on stage and for a particular playing style and sound.
don't listen to this guy 30 years I've been dealing with acoustics.this line is the worst ever value get a guitar made by Godin that blows this out of the water.
Just purchased a Sheeran by Lowden Equals Signature Edition (equivalent to the W04). I've seen a lot of negative reviews about this guitar saying they sound awful and are way too expensive for a small bodied guitar with laminate back and sides. My honest thoughts after playing it for a week? Yes, acoustically, it's not great but it's not awful either. Sonically, it's fairly similar to my Little Martin Ed Sheeran X Signature Edition it was meant to replace. So, I'd say about average for the kind of guitar it is. They do have a more earthy, almost "celtic" tone to them which gives them a distinct character and are, perhaps, suited to certain styles of play. I really like the look of the guitar and the size. No frills but solid and sturdy construction. Sits nicely in the lap and is comfortable to play but, as you say, the action is too high. I, too, will get this one lowered. The guitar comes alive and shines more when it's plugged in. The LR Baggs EAS VTC pickup is excellent and gives the guitar one of the best electro-acoustic tones I've heard for its price point (and being an Open Mic host, I've heard a lot).
There is no doubt, you can get "better" sounding (of course, it's all subjective isn't it?) acoustic guitars for the money but it all boils down to what you want from a guitar - it's not all just about tone. In my case, I wanted a small bodied guitar to replace my Little Martin Ed Sheeran X and would be a "campfire"/travel alternative to using my Taylor 812ce 12-Fret Deluxe. I didn't want anything that competed with the Taylor sonically - I saw no point in that. The Lowdens look and sound great but, at the moment, way past my budget. The Sheeran Lowden gives me a bit of a taster of what a Lowden would play like so, if the experience is favourable, I could see myself purchasing a Lowden sometime in the future when the time and financial circumstances are right. There are plenty of other parlour sized guitars to choose from too so, plenty of options. For the time being, I'm sticking to my Sheeran by Lowden. Not perfect but ticks more boxes than leaves unticked.
Richards Guitars, by the way, is a dealer who had a bad experience with Lowden so took it upon himself to wage a bit of a hate campaign against them (albeit when the range was launched a couple of years ago - around the time of this video and the others. Perhaps there were teething problems with the manufacturing process). You'll see his comments on practically every youtube video that came out around that time on the Sheeran by Lowden range.
Thanks for your comment. I agree completely. Also I would like to add that I still have this guitar two years later and have had no issues with it at all.
Do you still have and use the Sheeran Guitar?
I’m using a Cole Clark these days for it’s proprietary pickup system.
That's a very good fair review.
Lowden's shine at fingerpicking and even though the Sheeran's are produced to a budget, they still retain some of the Lowden sound (amazing string separation) with a very fine LR Baggs Elements pickup. If you play fingerstyle (especially through a PA) regularly and want a budget guitar, the Sheeran s03 is an excellent choice and IMHO the best of the range.
If you are more of a strummer though then there are better options, even cheaper options - like a Sigma (go for around $600 to get a solid body like an OMR or DTC41E) or Epiphone masterbilt - will standup well next to the Sheeran. I tried an OMRC-28e next to the s30... OMRC sounded better at strumming, but worse at fingerpicking.
Thanks Tony. Yes a slightly larger body will be better for heavy strumming. I guess that is just physics? It all depends on the sound you are going for and the brand you want to play I guess.
@@aaronshortmusic The OMRC is a very similar sized body though.
Both the Sigma and Epiphone are solid back and sides which the makes the difference, they are also significantly cheaper.
However Lowden bodies always bring out individual strings better, hence they shine at fingerpicking... but it works against them for strumming.
That's not unique to the Sheeran range either, I played an expensive O sized Lowden and it was beautiful at fingerpicking, but disappointing at strumming.
Tony Ward That’s very interesting I’ll have to try them.
@@aaronshortmusic Here's the Sigma I have
www.amazon.co.uk/SIGMA-GUITARS-OMRC-28E-acoustic-guitar/dp/B00CN9Q7QC
It's discontinued now though... here's the closest similar (price has increased, but still cheaper than the Sheeran):
www.sigma-guitars.com/guitars/standard-series/s000m-18/
Here's the Epiphone, J45 sized guitar so deeper body but not as long.
www.dawsons.co.uk/epiphone-masterbilt-dr-500mce-electro-acoustic-guitar?prod=68364&gclid=Cj0KCQiAtOjyBRC0ARIsAIpJyGP8vkYCMhCnF88QoqIhL56iozKgZAxgNBqMXt1Tba32zA0YxjdXXhgaAppxEALw_wcB
I have the highest respect for Lowden - Santa Cruz - Collings and other makers guitars. I don't think any of the guitars from the major manufacturers will compare to this finely made and hand tuned instrument. They make guitars to a formula and hundreds of guitars a day. Looks like you have a keeper.
I’d love A Collings myself or indeed a Lowden. These aren’t the super high end Lowdens and tap tuned.
@@andybowen1249 Thank you for the info - was not aware of that. I fought for years to avoid these guitars, but a wonderful Collings 001 12 fret was traded in at a local shop. I traded and sold most everything to get it, and do not regret it one bit. Better to own one great guitar, than a few of the ordinary.
Those 12fret Collings have reached a kind of legendary status amongst finger style players. Are you aware of the CZcams channel under the name Silly Moustache? If not you should check him out as he loves his 12 fret Collings guitars and tells some great stories as to how he ended up getting one of the very first Collings guitars in the U.K.. They are super high end guitars of course and do have their own unique sound, different to Martin and Gibson who produce on a much larger industrious approach, meaning there are good ens and bad ones.
@@andybowen1249 Thank you for this Andy. Just found him and what a great moustache. Will watch them all. What a cache of Collings guitars. I am often tempted to get a fandangled electric again, but all it take is to hold the Collings and all is good again.
Oh that’s good, you’re in for a treat as he does own a lovely collection of really nice guitars. They all get used as well, which is nice.
Hey, do you know any pick guards that fit these guitars?
I looked into it at first as the satin cedar ‘dings’ easily. I think they told me I could cut down a Lowden clear pick guard but I imagine there are some third party options since then…
@@aaronshortmusic Thank you. I just got one yesterday. How are the back and sides holding up? Notice any weaknesses...
@@b-stainton123 Nothing. When they first came out some people claimed to have issues but this one is still fine.
@@aaronshortmusic Thanks for letting me know. I went to a shop and played mine and checked it through. I think the bad publicity may have come from either early issues with quality control or just Ed sheerans name. The guitars sound great and have a unique tone. Bass end less because of a smaller body but that cuts through more. Just glad some people appreciate it.
Would you say the Sheeran is better than the Martin LX1E?
Hi Martin. I actually made a comparison of these two guitars on my channel. Have a listen and let me know what you think!
I still love the look but the price is still to high for me.
If I get one it will have to be used for a about half the cost.
Benjamin DeMers That’s never a bad option!
You can buy a lovely clear pick guard , I’ve just ordered the S03 , if I contact Sheeran will they lower the action for me?
You can ask but I expect it will be up to the dealer to do that.
I think it looks cheap as hell, than you find the price :O
It’s a tough one. If you compare the price to a full Lowden guitar then it’s certainly much more affordable. On the other hand if you compare the price to other brands it is not.
Sir... Would you pic any Taylor gs mini guitar over this..??????
Hi I’m not sure. I would like to review a GS mini soon. I’ve heard they are excellent.
@@aaronshortmusic First of all thank you so much for your response and I'll be waiting to watch your gs mini review.😇
Priya Das I just looked at them. Excellent price! I am tall so may be too small for me but for most people they look like an excellent choice.
@@aaronshortmusic That's totally fine sir...I'm very grateful to you for all your replies.
Thanks again 😇🙏
Priya Das Thank you for subscribing!
They sound terrible acoustically hence the focus on the plugged in sound. £900 for a guitar that sounds awful acoustically? Even the cheapest of guitars on the market can actually sound really quite excellent plugged in - We can fit an LR Baggs Anthem to a £200 acoustic and it would sound really oool. Total cost around £400? You had to EQ the sound because even plugged in they are too brittle and needed that extra EQ from your software. To have an action that is too high (and clearly it was way too high) is outrageous on a £900 guitar. I totally understand the argument you are giving but how many "really good" guitar shops are there out there who will do this setup for the customer? We do - but I can tell you now - not many would. I think the focus on these should be.... 1) If you are Irish and want to support your local economy 2) If you want a Lowden and cannot afford one 3) You own a Lowden and want a kickabout to compliment it (just dont expect a Lowden sound). In terms of where they fit in the competitive acoustic guitar market based on their tone ? Not close. They will sell massively because hey.... its a Lowden.
Hi Richard. The action was too high for me but a lot of companies ship guitars this way as I’m sure you know that it’s easier to lower the action than to raise it. I wouldn’t say they sound terrible. To me they sound like a small body guitar which means less bass and therefore more perceived midrange which is generally more suited to fingerstyle and light strumming than heavy strummers. I do agree that there are great deals to be had for $300 (Yamaha etc.) but I don’t find a lot of those guitars as appealing in looks or playability/comfort. I do think there is a sight premium with these Sheeran guitars as he is obviously taking a royalty (that I heard goes to charity) and they are made and shipped from Ireland. I haven’t played a Lowden guitar so I withhold some judgement until then but they are a lot more expensive than these models.
@@aaronshortmusic Thank you for your considered reply. One day I will send you a Dowina BV parlor at £699. All solid woods, hand made in Slovakia. It will put perspective to the isues I raise. Thanks for listening.
Couldn't agree more Richard. The Lowden / Sheeran guitar is ridiculously bad for £930.00. Should be £230.00 and even then I would begrudge paying that for it. for another £100 you could buy both the Eastman E1D and the E2CD which sound like guitars 3 times the price of their average £500.00 price tag.
AND BOTH OF THESE EASTMAN GUITARS ARE ALL SOLID WOOD WITH EBONY FINGERBOARDS AND PLAY LIKE A DREAM.
@@aaronshortmusic just curious, did you ever receive the dowina parlor guitar from Richard?
@@jant3106 I did not.
So…. Pulled out what actually comes with the guitar, put something else in… and did a review 😂. Alrighty. 🤷♂️
I reviewed the guitar not the electronics.
Ironically, Sheeran doesn't use this guitar. He uses a custom built a Lowden, probably the Wee Lowden. I'm shocked to hear your positive comments, because this guitar is nothing but an overpriced toy. It's a pile of crap........
Why wouldn’t Ed Sheeran use a custom shop model? I don’t think it sounds anything like a toy in my demo but we are all entitled to our opinion. I just listened back to the video and think it sounds very good. Especially for a small body guitar.
Ha ha ha,, You don't even play it! Oh, yes you did, but we didn't SEE it. Processed sound and maybe another guitar? We will never know! Nice that they gave you this guitar to review. If someone gave me a guitar and wanted me to review it, I would probably do the same as you "OH what a great guitar" blah blah blah. Give me a break!
Kevin. All of my reviews are honest and I do not review anything that I don’t like. I played the guitar in my initial unboxing which I will link below. You can hear that it’s the same guitar. I also clearly highlighted what I liked and didn’t like about the guitar. Thanks for watching!
@@aaronshortmusic They gave you one, you didn't buy it. If they GIVE you a guitar to review are you really going to give it your honest opinion?
Kevin Rowan Yes I am. I won’t review anything on my channel that I wouldn’t use myself. I care about my reputation and spend a lot of time making my videos. I do enjoy it though and I appreciate you watching.
Your comments do nothing to promote discussion of the guitar and pickup that Aaron reviewed. What's with the attitude? His replies to you were exponentially more polite than they should've been. Kudos to Aaron.
If you READ my comment above, then maybe you will understand? What really bothers me is when someone praises this guitar when actually it is a laminate. Do you know the difference between laminate and solid wood? Do you know the difference between what a solid wood cost and a laminate? Is it an honest opinion? This laminate Sheeran costs MORE than a solid wood guitar. If you want to make a budget guitar, make it at a budget price.
You want to buy this guitar, go ahead, don't say I didn't warn you.