NGD: Bown 00, with demo video

[jonnymosco]

I feel very lucky to own one of Ralph Bown's 00 guitars. The two year wait was definitely worth it.

For those of you not familiar with his work, he is one the UK's foremost makers, having built for John Renbourn and Martin Simpson and currently, Clive Carroll. He makes a guitar in the Martin tradition, but with that pre-war magic.


As primarily a classical player, Ralph's brief was for it to have the clarity, separation and balance similar to a good Spanish sounding classical. It has all of that, plus some things I didn't expect: warmth and, for want of a better term, a 3D quality. The guitar is loud and responsive, yet focused and is more akin to an OM, not a hint of boxiness. Trebles are fat, especially past the 12th fret. The bass matches the treble and is full and rich, but not overpowering.

We've all read guitar reviews: "best sounding guitar... chiming trebles... thunderous bass..." and usually to describe a laminate factory guitar; so, it's pretty clear that descriptions are subjective - it is in actually playing it that a sense of the sound can be formed, but for now, a Youtube video will have to do. Through a variety of pieces, I've tried to give you an idea of what it can do.

I'm really pleased to own a steel string guitar that allows me to explore my repertoire with new possibilities.

I hope you enjoy the video and spot some pieces you know.

Jonny

[BrunoBlack]

Wonderful guitar. Congratulations!

[jklotz]

Congrats. I can hear the magic coming out of that thing in the video!

[Ct20]

Guess you're REALLY enjoying yourself. Beautiful guitar, outstanding playing.

[JayBee1404]

Ralph’s guitars are superb instruments. One of the best sounding guitars I’ve ever heard was a, unusual for Ralph, medium Jumbo that he built for English folk singer/writer Allan Taylor. A real monster!

Been looking for YooToobs of Allan playing his Bown, but I’ve only found examples with his usual Martins.

[MHC]

Great guitar (and very fine playing).

That Bown already doesn't sound like a new guitar -- in a year or two I'll bet it'll be off the charts beautiful.

Congratulations!

[jaymarsch]

Beautiful guitar, lovely playing, and great video. Thanks for posting. I have heard nothing but positive things about Ralph Bown and his guitars. This post certainly confirms the chatter.
Best,
Jayne

[TBman]

Very nice, congrats!

[jonnymosco]

Originally Posted by Ct20

Guess you're REALLY enjoying yourself. Beautiful guitar, outstanding playing.

Thanks, it is inspirational to play.

Originally Posted by JayBee1404

Ralph’s guitars are superb instruments. One of the best sounding guitars I’ve ever heard was a, unusual for Ralph, medium Jumbo that he built for English folk singer/writer Allan Taylor. A real monster!

Been looking for YooToobs of Allan playing his Bown, but I’ve only found examples with his usual Martins.

Some of the best players rate Bown's as the best out there and the greatest fingerstyle players own or have owned them (Renbourn, Simpson, Clive Carroll).

Originally Posted by MHC

Great guitar (and very fine playing).

That Bown already doesn't sound like a new guitar -- in a year or two I'll bet it'll be off the charts beautiful.

Congratulations!

Thanks, I agree.

Originally Posted by jaymarsch

Beautiful guitar, lovely playing, and great video. Thanks for posting. I have heard nothing but positive things about Ralph Bown and his guitars. This post certainly confirms the chatter.
Best,
Jayne

Thanks Jayne - he'd have a bigger profile if he lived in the States, it's a shame more people don't have the opportunity to experience and play his guitars in real life.

Originally Posted by TBman

Very nice, congrats!

Thanks.

Jonny

[blakey]

Beautiful guitar. Beautifully played.

[UncleJesse]

Sounds great! But I think you broke a forum rule. You can't show off a Brazilian Rosewood guitar without a picture of the back.

[AcousticDreams]

Originally Posted by jonnymosco

As primarily a classical player, Ralph's brief was for it to have the clarity, separation and balance similar to a good Spanish sounding classical. It has all of that, plus some things I didn't expect: warmth and, for want of a better term, a 3D quality. The guitar is loud and responsive, yet focused and is more akin to an OM, not a hint of boxiness. Trebles are fat, especially past the 12th fret. The bass matches the treble and is full and rich, but not overpowering.

Hey jonnymosco, I am literally blown away by the sound of your new guitar and your amazing playing!

The 3D sound you describe, just jumps out of my inboard Mac speakers. That is quite a feat especially since you are just using a single apogee microphone? (Not that this mic isn't good, cause I have heard many a good recording done with that mic...) But 3D sound from a mono recording?.....amazing.

I hear it all, tremendous bass, fat trebles, yet everything is sweet and oh yet...did I mention 3D sound? ha ha...Incredible. Very impressed.

Anyway...a big, big congratulations. You are a fantastic player...and that little guitars sound suits your style so very well.

[AcousticDreams]

I can not seem to find Ralph Bown guitars homepage. Could you please post it?

[jonnymosco]

Originally Posted by Knives&Guitars

I can not seem to find Ralph Bown guitars homepage. Could you please post it?

Thanks Knives&Guitars, I'm glad the sound comes over well, even better with headphones, or just playing it in real life.

Ralph doesn't have a website, nor any online presence.

Jonny

[Fresh1985]

Lovely, lovely guitar. Hope it brings you many years of joy.