Orders

I prefer not to take orders for guitars.  Occasionally I do.  That said,  I am blessed to have a stash of world class tone woods and have access to some of the best guitar woods on the planet if there is something special I am looking for.  

I usually do build a couple commissioned guitars per year along with a handful of guitars to my specs that may be available when they are completed.  

My preferred top woods are Alpine Spruce I hand select in Austria, and Adirondack/Red Spruce I get from a superb supplier in the US.

My favorites for backs and sides are Brazilian Rosewood, Madagascar Rosewood, AAAAA Koa, and Mahogany (I have 50 year old straight grain, some from The Fiddleback Tree, and some from The Tree).

I also have some extremely rare historical wood I acquired in Europe.  The first guitar with this wood is being built now.  It will appear on this site when it's finished.

There are so many incredible custom acoustic guitar builders out there whose craftsmanship I aspire to achieve.  What makes Bowen Guitars different?  Each guitar I build I think constantly about the person who will be playing it.  Whether it is deciding the thickness of the top by feel  and ear (not by a predetermined spec for a given species), to carving the tone bars and finger braces to bring out overtones, to hand shaping the neck.  Each choice is made thinking about the player, be they the most discerning pro, or a lover of guitar with modest skill.  I want my guitars to feel like an old friend and bring joy to the player and those who hear them.  The building process is, in effect, a long prayer with my hands for the player of each instrument.  Each guitar is an extension of me.

About fair trade and the environment:  I comply with CITES laws for wood sourcing and am always conscious of wood sustainability and the environment in the sourcing and production of my guitars.

Currently world renowned inlay artist and luthier Harvey Leach works with me for intricate inlay orders.

Price: What it costs me plus a little extra

Delivery date:  When the guitar is done

If you are interested in having me build you a guitar, please call me or email me. 

georgebowen@comcast.net

my cell: 925 584-5842