Lowden and Pierre Bensusan - 40 Years of Perfect Partnership

06 Feb

Posted By admin Lowden Ireland , Acoustic , Guitar , Honduras , Rosewood , Sitka , Spruce , Signature , Model , Bensusan

Lowden Pierre Bensusan Signature Acoustic Guitar

In the wide world of iconic partnerships between musicians and their instruments, the collaboration between Lowden Guitars and acclaimed fingerstyle guitarist Pierre Bensusan is a truly exceptional chapter in the annals of acoustic guitar lore. Back in 1978, George Lowden crafted what was then referred to as a model S22 (which would now be classified as an O22) for Bensusan, marking the inception of their enduring bond. With only occasional deviations, Bensusan has remained closely connected to his beloved jumbo-body guitar, affectionately dubbed the “Old Lady,” throughout his illustrious career. Fast forward to 2009, when Lowden embarked on creating a successor to Bensusan's aging instrument, birthing the "New Lady" and heralding the arrival of the Pierre Bensusan Signature model, originating from the North of Ireland.

The profound impact of the Lowden guitar, particularly the Bensusan model, has etched itself deeply into my musical consciousness. From the initial encounter with this instrument, its impeccable craftsmanship and evident quality set the stage for an extraordinary auditory journey, surpassing even my loftiest expectations. The Bensusan model embodies the unmistakable Lowden essence—a mysterious quality that eludes precise description yet remains etched in memory long after the encounter. Its sonic character exudes a captivating allure, striking a delicate equilibrium between subtlety and projection. Manifesting a rich and resonant timbre, the guitar delivers robust lower mids, commanding bass tones, and crystalline highs.

What immediately captivates is the instrument's remarkable sustain and its responsiveness to nuanced dynamics. Each note breathes with a vitality, effortlessly revealing layers of harmonics and sympathetic vibrations. True to its lineage, the guitar excels in alternative tunings like D A D G A D, lending authenticity to Bensusan's favoured repertoire dominated by this tuning. Yet, its versatility extends seamlessly to standard tuning, showcasing its adaptability. The instrument's playability is exceptional, boasting smooth, low action and a neck profile that offers ample space for intricate fingerstyle exploration. The rounded neck shape strikes an optimal balance between substance and comfort, further enhanced by the ergonomic bevel and body design that make it a pleasure to hold.

While rooted in the quintessential Lowden sound, the Bensusan model exudes a distinct personality and tonal identity. In comparison to other Lowden models, such as the F model with Sitka spruce and Indian rosewood, or the cedar-and-mahogany original S22 from the same era as Bensusan's cherished "Old Lady," the Bensusan model stands apart. Notably, it boasts a deeper bass response, enhanced sustain, and brighter overtones, setting it apart as a virtuoso for ethereal sounds and modern fingerstyle. Cascading cross-string runs evoke a dramatic, harp-like shimmer, accentuated by its "bass-bias" bracing adapted to accommodate the bevel. Additionally, the choice of woods likely contributes to its heightened sustain, brilliance, and resonance, cementing its status as a premier instrument for discerning musicians.