Acosutic guitar companies venturing into Electric Land - Printable Version +- Modern Mojo Guitars Forum (https://www.modernmojoguitars.com/forum) +-- Forum: Instruments (https://www.modernmojoguitars.com/forum/forum-11.html) +--- Forum: Electric (https://www.modernmojoguitars.com/forum/forum-13.html) +--- Thread: Acosutic guitar companies venturing into Electric Land (/thread-382.html)

Acosutic guitar companies venturing into Electric Land - jtkung - 05-10-2025 I was noticing the similarities between the Taylor SB-C1 Custom (long discontinued) and the Lowden GL-10 Taylor SB-C1 Custom Walnut                                     Lowden GL-10 Walnut Here is Grok 3 Assessment. Brand Philosophy Taylor: Modern electric guitar with acoustic-inspired resonance; innovative but proprietary design Lowden: Boutique electric with acoustic craftsmanship; emphasizes natural tone and sustain Body Taylor: Sapele, chambered, walnut burl laminate top, ~46mm depth tapering to ~30mm Lowden: Mahogany with premium top (e.g., koa, ziricote), ~42mm depth tapering to ~32mm Neck Taylor: One-piece sapele, T-Lock single-bolt joint, 42.8mm nut, 12" radius Lowden: Five-piece mahogany, C-shape, 43mm nut, 630mm scale, 12" radius Fretboard Taylor: Ebony, 20.7mm–22.3mm neck depth Lowden: Ebony, 21.7mm–22.9mm neck depth, vintage frets Electronics Taylor: Proprietary Taylor humbuckers, 2 volume, 1 tone Lowden: Lollar Imperial humbuckers, 2 volume, 1 tone, shoulder-mounted toggle Bridge Taylor: Custom aluminum, top-mounted strings, shuttle system Lowden: Gotoh GE103B-T tune-o-matic, recessed, with tonal brass plate Tuners Taylor: Large-button, slightly spongy Lowden: Gotoh 510 with ebony buttons Tone Taylor: Versatile, chiming, hollowbody-like; lacks distinct character Lowden: Vibrant, acoustic-like, warm, balanced; excels in clean to mid-gain settings Playability Taylor: Slim neck, easy upper-fret access, modern electric feel Lowden: Wider, acoustic-like neck, smooth but vintage frets may limit big bends Weight Taylor: ~8 lbs, lightweight and ergonomic Lowden: ~8.1–8.7 lbs, well-balanced Aesthetics Taylor: Modern, sleek, walnut burl top, polarizing design Lowden: Timeless, natural tonewoods, hand-rubbed oil finish, boutique appeal Price (Original) Taylor: ~$2,000–$3,000 (2008, estimated) Lowden: £3,395 ($4,500 USD, 2018) Availability Taylor: Discontinued, rare on used market Lowden: In production, available through select dealers Market Reception Taylor: Poor; proprietary parts alienated players Lowden: Strong; praised for craftsmanship but niche due to price Target Audience Taylor: Collectors, Taylor enthusiasts, modern electric players Lowden: Boutique buyers, acoustic players, singer-songwriters Strengths Taylor: Innovative construction, versatile tone, ergonomic design Lowden: Exceptional craftsmanship, unique tone, premium materials Weaknesses Taylor: Proprietary parts, limited tonal character, no spare parts Lowden: High price, niche appeal, less suited for heavy genres I think GROK 3 did a great job in summarizing this. I think the Lowden GL-10 is still in production because it is positioned as very boutique and niche, but more importantly, has the support and endorsement of Ed Sheeran.  This is likely what keeps it afloat, as well as the high premium price. It’s definitely a Veblen good (demand goes up as price goes up due to its exclusivity and positioning as a luxury item). The Taylor SB-C1 did not have such an endorsement and did not position itself so high. The proprietary parts also likely discouraged people from investing in the platform, and the timing of the introduction in 2008 (in the midst of the financial crisis) likely did not help. I’ve also listened to YT videos of the GL-10 guitar and there’s nothing special about it.  The Lollar Imperials are likely the best thing on it that contributes the most to the tone.  But you can get those in an Eastman SB59/v which I think is a superior electric guitar, even to many custom Les Pauls.