Two Mighty Warriors Face Off in a Titanic Struggle!
Legends, spoken of in hushed tones.....
Welcome, fellow seekers of the sonic truth, to the ultimate guitar rumble in the jungle – a no-holds-barred, string-snapping duel between two titans of the acoustic realm: the Lowden O-21 Walnut/Sitka Spruce and the Taylor 818e Sitka Spruce/Indian Rosewood. This isn’t just a mere comparison, no – this is a full-fledged brawl in the arena of musical excellence. So strap in, and let’s dive into the fray.
The beautiful, sultry Lowden O-21
Tonal Characteristics: The Symphony of Strings
Lowden O-21: Imagine the smoothest Irish whiskey, poured over a blazing hearth, its warmth radiating through your very soul. That’s the Lowden O-21 in tonal form. The walnut back and sides deliver a rich, earthy depth, while the Sitka spruce top adds a touch of brightness and clarity. The result is a soundscape that’s both intimate and expansive, a whisper and a roar, a ballad sung by ancient bards.
Taylor 818e: On the other side of the ring, we have the Taylor 818e, a guitar that sings like a choir of angels on a rocket to the moon. The Indian rosewood back and sides offer a full-bodied bass response, with an articulate midrange and shimmering highs. Paired with a Sitka spruce top, it’s a tonal beast – capable of delicate fingerpicking as well as thunderous strumming. It’s like Hendrix and Segovia had a love child and sent it to Juilliard.
Taste and Flavour, the Taylor 818e
Craftsmanship and Design: Beauty in the Beast
Lowden O-21: George Lowden is a master, a luthier whose creations are more akin to fine art than mere instruments. The O-21 is no exception. With its understated elegance, flawless construction, and meticulous attention to detail, this guitar is a tactile symphony. The walnut binding, five-piece mahogany/rosewood neck, and natural satin finish scream sophistication. It’s like holding a piece of ancient Irish mythology in your hands.
Taylor 818e: Bob Taylor’s crew has sculpted a masterpiece in the 818e, blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation. The grand orchestra body, with its rounded contours and Venetian cutaway, is as inviting as a California sunset. The ebony fretboard and bridge, paired with Taylor’s iconic V-Class bracing, provide stability and resonance. This is a guitar that looks as good as it sounds – a true piece of Californian cool.
The wood!
Playability and Comfort: A Dance of Fingers
Lowden O-21: Playing the O-21 is like slipping into a warm bath after a long day. The neck is a comfortable C-shape, perfect for extended play without fatigue. The action is sublime, making every note feel effortless. Whether you’re a fingerstyle aficionado or a strumming cowboy, this guitar molds itself to your style like a tailored suit.
Taylor 818e: The 818e is an ergonomic marvel. The grand orchestra body provides a balanced feel whether you’re sitting or standing. The neck profile is sleek, with a slightly wider nut that makes complex chords and fast runs a breeze. It’s a guitar that feels alive, responsive to the lightest touch and robust enough for aggressive playing. This is the sports car of guitars – fast, sleek, and incredibly fun to drive.
Electronics and Versatility: Plugged-In Perfection
Lowden O-21: In the electronics arena, the Lowden O-21 steps out of the ring and watches from the sidelines. This guitar is a purist's dream, unadulterated by onboard pickups or preamps. It's as if George Lowden himself whispered, "Let the wood speak," and the O-21 does just that. This instrument demands to be appreciated in its raw, acoustic glory. It's an old-school heavyweight champion, relying on pure, natural resonance and the hands of a skilled player to project its voice. While some may lament the lack of modern electronic conveniences, true aficionados will revel in its unfiltered, organic sound.
Taylor 818e: Taylor’s 818e is armed with the Expression System 2 (ES2), an innovative pickup design that places sensors behind the saddle for a more accurate representation of the guitar’s acoustic properties. It’s versatile, with controls for volume, bass, and treble, allowing you to dial in the perfect tone for any setting. This system makes the 818e a true workhorse, capable of handling anything from intimate gigs to stadium shows.
The Final Bell: A Draw of Legends
In the end, the battle between the Lowden O-21 and the Taylor 818e isn’t about winners or losers. It’s about celebrating the extraordinary craftsmanship, tonal excellence, and playability that both these guitars bring to the table. Each has its unique character, its own voice, and its own strengths. The choice between them isn’t a matter of better or worse – it’s about finding the instrument that speaks to you, that resonates with your musical soul.
So, my fellow tone seekers, whether you lean towards the Irish charm of the Lowden O-21 or the Californian cool of the Taylor 818e, rest assured you’re choosing a masterpiece. At Musicmaker, we’re thrilled to have both of these incredible guitars in stock, ready to take your playing to new heights. Come on down, try them out, and let your ears and fingers decide.
Check out all our current Lowden Guitars Here.
Check out all our current Taylor Guitars Here.
How about some Sweeet Deals on Acoustic Guitars......?
Why not drop in to our wondrous home in Dublin city and check out these incredible guitars out for yourself? You can touch them, get to know them and, perhaps, fall in love.
It's easier than you'd think.......