This really is a rare treat - a 12-string J-200 by Ralph Bown, built in 1987 when Ralph had only been building steel-strings for a few years, but you certainly wouldn't know it from playing or looking at it. This guitar is in exceptional condition for its age and plays very well indeed.
It features a gorgeous straight-grained set of koa for the back and sides with a Sitka spruce top furnished with a beautiful sunburst finish, ivoroid binding and a tortoise-shell style pickguard. The mahogany neck is topped by a rosewood fingerboard and has a spacious 50mm nut.
The guitar has a repaired strap button hole on the shoulder where a previous owner preferred the strap button to be at the heel. This repair has been done professionally and blends in very well with the rest of the guitar.
The guitar is completed with Kluson Deluxe tuners and comes with its original Hiscox hard shell case.
About the Luthier
Ralph Bown is a highly respected English luthier known for his exceptional craftsmanship in building acoustic guitars since the late 1970s. Largely self-taught, Bown has developed a reputation for creating instruments that are celebrated for their tonal richness, meticulous attention to detail, and aesthetic beauty. He primarily builds steel-string acoustic guitars, each handcrafted with the finest materials and a blend of traditional and innovative techniques to ensure superior sound and playability.
Bown’s guitars are highly sought after by professional musicians and serious enthusiasts alike, earning widespread acclaim for their quality and consistency. Many well-known musicians favour his instruments for their outstanding sound and responsiveness. Bown’s dedication to his craft and his ability to meet the specific needs of individual players have solidified his place as one of the leading guitar makers of the contemporary era.
