Based in Northern Ireland, George Lowden has had an off-and-on relationship with the instruments that bear his name, but he has nevertheless gained a reputation for handbuilt flat-tops that offer a viable alternative to traditional American designs. Lowden built his first guitars in the town of Bangor in 1973. Within three years he had established a standardized line that included Style 25, exemplified by the rosewood body, cedar top and wood bindings of this S-25C from 2002 (S for Standard, C for Cutaway).

Increasing sales prompted Lowden to contract production of some models to Japanese makers from 1981-84. He brought all production back to Northern Ireland in 1985, but the company went into receivership in 1989. Lowden consulted with the new owners but resumed making guitars as an individual luthier, relocating to France for a short time.

By 1998 he was successful enough that he put together a group to buy controlling interest in his original business, but in 2003 he left the Lowden Guitar Co (it became Avalon) and established George Lowden Guitars Ltd in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland.