The Lowebow

A highlight of our trip to Memphis was a visit to Xanadu Music and Books, on Central Ave. in mid-town. This is the home of a unique musical instrument developed by John Lowe, and known as the Lowebow cigar box guitar. Lowebows use a combination of regular and bass guitar strings. They are wired up so that two amps are used, one for the bass and one for the guitar sounds. Lowe plays his cigar box guitar aggressively, in an open tuning, using a slide. His material ranges from old blues to Ramones and Johnny Cash tunes. Lowe is a one man band, playing a full drum kit as well as the Lowebow, using a nine pedal set up. He has two CDs out, Live at Wifflestock - Johnny Lowebow, and First Season - John Lowe Live on Beale.