When I first started learning about CBGs, I discovered John Lowe, a luthier and performer in Memphis, Tennessee. He does a one-man show under the moniker Johnny Lowebow and builds string instruments known as Lowebows. I had read he owns a bookstore, which morphed into a combination book/music retailer over the past couple decades. The shop, located on Central Avenue in Memphis, is called Xanadu. It just so happened I was going to be in Memphis last week, so I decided to explore Xanadu.
I arrived at the bookstore a few minutes after 11:00 AM on Friday morning. They had just opened and hadn't even turned on the lights yet. A lone employee was setting up a rack of books outside. He told me to make myself at home and explore the shop. As I wandered inside, I was greeted by about a dozen Lowebows hanging on the walls. There were 1-string, 2-string, 3-string, 4-string, and 6-string variants. There was even a double-neck 10-string Lowebow.
After staring upward in wonderment for a minute or two, I made my way into the main room where a couple dozen instruments adorn the walls. Some are completely stock and others have been heavily customized. All of them are for sale. As you can probably guess, there are bookcases everywhere and the titles cover nearly every topic. The place has a really homey vibe. It feels more like your grandma’s spare bedroom than a music store.
As I kept wandering, I stumbled across what appeared to be a small practice space. There were some amps set up along with a drum set. A few homemade instruments (including a 5-string Lowebow with a movable nut), a vintage keyboard wrapped in red tolex, and a slew of cables were strewn around the area. A paper sign stating, “please don’t play the drums, thanks” made me realize the things in this nook were not for sale. I presume several Johnny Lowebow songs have been written in this little room.
Alas, John was not present the day I visited Xanadu, but I had a nice chat with the employee who was on duty. He knows a lot about the instruments and is a performer himself. We talked about music, building things, and the DIY community in general. It was a great discussion. Which leads me to the point of this article, next time you’re in Memphis, stop by Xanadu and have a look. You won't regret it. It’s a quaint little shop full of rare books, good vibes, fun conversations, and a plethora of homemade instruments. Oh… and be sure to pet the cat.
View the full album if pics here: https://cigarboxnation.com/photo/albums/memphis-trip-4-2019
Comment
I haven't been in that neighborhood since Strings N Things was still open. Next time I get through that neighborhood, I'll be sure to check it out.
Thanks Donkey. I hope to visit a few more eventually, but yes... always good to share.
Thanks for taking the time to read the article BeetleJuice! It's a really unique shop.
Thats a wonderful story and trip!...he is a legend too!
Started by Bill Andy in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts 20 minutes ago. 0 Replies 0 Likes
Started by BrianQ. in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts on Tuesday. 0 Replies 2 Likes
Started by J. D. Woods in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 26. 8 Replies 1 Like
Started by Southern Ray in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 26. 6 Replies 0 Likes
Started by J. D. Woods in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by BrianQ. Apr 25. 4 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Rich Butters in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Crazed Fandango Apr 22. 4 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Nomad Jack in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by J. D. Woods Apr 17. 7 Replies 2 Likes
Started by Moritz Voegeli in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 14. 6 Replies 2 Likes
Started by Timothy Hunter in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Apr 10. 14 Replies 3 Likes
Started by Tom T in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 9. 9 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Southern Ray in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 4. 7 Replies 1 Like
Started by Timothy Hunter in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Mar 27. 1 Reply 2 Likes
Started by Taffy Evans in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Mar 10. 1 Reply 3 Likes
Started by Cigar Box Nation in Feature Articles. Last reply by BrianQ. Mar 9. 4 Replies 3 Likes
Started by Ghostbuttons in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Mar 9. 5 Replies 1 Like
Started by Justin Stanchfield in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 8. 6 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Ken I in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Brian partington Mar 8. 8 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Southern Ray in Cool gear discussion - that's not cigar box related. Last reply by Southern Ray Mar 6. 5 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Taffy Evans in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 5. 4 Replies 2 Likes
Started by Justin Stanchfield in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Carl Floyd Mar 1. 15 Replies 0 Likes
Posted by Vlad on March 31, 2024 at 11:48pm 0 Comments 1 Like
Posted by Vlad on March 6, 2024 at 2:32am 5 Comments 2 Likes
Posted by billy jones bluez on February 28, 2024 at 2:09pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Posted by billy jones bluez on February 17, 2024 at 11:00pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Posted by Vlad on February 11, 2024 at 1:06am 1 Comment 1 Like
May 11, 2024 from 11am to 8pm – Speakeasy Grill
0 Comments 0 LikesMay 30, 2024 from 6:30pm to 10pm – The Casual Pint of Huntsville
0 Comments 0 Likes© 2024 Created by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker. Powered by
Cigar Box Nation is presented by C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply, your one-stop-shop for Cigar Box Guitar parts and accessories!
You need to be a member of Cigar Box Nation to add comments!
Join Cigar Box Nation