Gower Dreadnought Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar, c. 1970, made in Nashville, TN, natural finish, Brazilian rosewood back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, black soft shell case.
J.D. Gower was an independent guitar builder in Nashville who enjoyed a long if fairly low-key career from the 1950's well into the 1970's. He built instruments to order, both electric and acoustic to a range of patterns. He is best remembered for being the principal designer of the Grammer guitars built in the 1960's although his association with the company was rather brief. This flat top is very much like a Grammer in look, but with a bigger sound. The workmanship is not as neat as some but this is a solidly well made and very distinctive guitar with a true period Nashville gothic look.
Overall length is 41 1/2 in. (105.4 cm.), 15 1/2 in. (39.4 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 5 5/16 in. (13.5 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 25 7/16 in. (646 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/8 in. (41 mm.). Very little wear overall; appears all original and lightly used. One repaired back crack and a slightly sloppy re-glue of the lower pickguard tip are the only noticeable issues. Some finish flaking and wear along the fingerboard edge. A good player with a very good sound for an early-'70's guitar. Excellent Condition.
