George Lowden's path to becoming a master luthier started in the early 1970's. His name is now world renowned, having honed his skill set with fine classical guitars and going on to produce instruments for many name players including the likes of Richard Thompson. With his oversight still, Lowden's initial philosophies are still upheld today - the brand continuing to offer up inventive and creative instruments to push prior limitations to the guitar. This O-32C model is a unique conceptual take on a jumbo size flat top. It offers up a huge and well detailed sound, sustain and a warm articulation not usually seen in a guitar this size. It has a 16.5" lower bout with a comfortable 10" waist - the body measuring 4.75" in depth at the base and 4" by the heel. The top is constructed out of a well aged Sitka Spruce , fully bound with alternating maple, the back and sides constructed out of a nice one piece Indian rosewood. The top is braced with a thin pointed X bracing, the bracing is fairly minimal on these guitars with a wider bridge plate. This instrument strings through the top with no bridge pins. The saddle is split for the first and second strings intonation - a thoughtful touch. The top on this example has a long center seam crack that has been repaired and cleated internally. The bodies cutaway, and joining the neck at the 14th fret allow very easy access to the higher octave. An older unmarked active piezo (with microphone) is installed, and sounds okay as is, but could maybe use a newer pickup installed to sound its best. The neck is designed with a slightly longer 25.6" scale length. The neck itself is made out of a three piece Spanish cedar with an ebony fingerboard. The neck is very comfortable with a thinner profile and a 1.75" nut width - the profile with a hand carved thin C feel measuring .80" thick at the first position with a nice steep volute - then tapering up to about 1" by the eleventh fret at the curvature of the heel. The neck is straight with fairly clean frets - a bit of wear at the cowboy chord zone. The action is low measuring 5/64" in height at the twelfth fret. Lowden stamped gold tuners with tortoise buttons round out a great playing instrument. Cosmetically this guitar is definitely used, but well loved overall. As mentioned the top has the center seam crack that has been repaired, as well as a lot of pick wear present. The neck profile is nice and clean with only light wear in its frets. Includes original hardshell case.