Lowden – Bill Vencil

Seven Words

The words of I Am on that fateful day. A song to commemorate them.

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” – Luke 23:34

“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” – Luke 23:43

“Woman, behold, your son!” – John 19:26

“Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” – Mark 15:34

“I thirst.” – John 19:28

“It is finished” – John 19:30

“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” – Luke 23:46

[audio:https://www.billvencil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/SevenWords.mp3|titles=Seven Words]

Spatial Tension

An outtake from “In the Wilderness”.

I was intrigued by the tonal tension in the song, the innate tension that exists in the elements of Creation, and the juxtaposition of the two.

Repetition, variation, textural exploration. ex nihilo.

[audio:https://www.billvencil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/SpatialTension.mp3|titles=Spatial Tension]

Another tune from the recent past. 2005 vintage. I was listening to Bruce Cockburn’s Joy Will Find a Way, and at some point in the proceedings, it struck me that Joy did a find a way (Hebrews 12:2). I picked up my trusty Lowden guitar, and this was the result:

[audio:https://www.billvencil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/joyfound.mp3|titles=Joy Found a Way]

Strong Zeal Trail

A tune recorded in 2006. Unabashed roots in Martin Simpson’s wonderful Pretty Saro-Long Steel Rail on his album “When I Was On Horseback”. Played on the Lowden O35.

[audio:https://www.billvencil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/strongzeal.mp3|titles=Strong Zeal Trail]

Lowden O35

I had a wonderful Martin Custom 15 as my main acoustic guitar for a number of years. Incredible classic dread tone, expecially with its forward x-bracing. Over time though, I found that the guitar just wasn’t going where I was going. In particular, I was finding its 1 11/16″ neck cramping my style, literally. I also found myself looking for a different tone. One that rang a little more and had a little less of the dreadnaught thing.

Since the Sobell guitars I lusted after were way out of my league pricewise, I began to cast about for other options. Being a long time ogler of DreamGuitars, I soon found out about Lowden. After doing some additional research, and listening to soundclips, I decided to try one or 2. I found a dealer in the area that had a few in stock, schlepped on over, and spent a few hours with them. I was very impressed.

Being the thrifty music equipment shopper that I am, I soon found some out of state dealers willing to ship me one for an audition period. I pulled the trigger on a O23, gorgeoously built, cedar top/walnut sides and back. It played like a dream, but the top end was way too harsh. Strike 1! I sent it back, and called Paul at DreamGuitars. He then sent me a McIlroy A30, a very nice ax, built in the Lowden tradition. It had some setup issues, so I had to send it back. Strike 2!

I spoke with Paul again, and we decided that a Lowden O35 with spruce top/koa sides and back might fill the bill for me. I decided to try one last mail order round (I get nervous sending expensive guitars through the mail!). The O35 arrived, and it has not left! It plays like a dream and sounds like one.