Jim Redgate Classical Guitars

Jim Redgate classical guitars may be traditional in appearance but these sophisticated looks hide some interesting and advanced design features.

There are guitar makers who basically copy and improve old and famous designs and there are those who introduce new and innovative building techniques. Jim Redgate classical guitars appears to fall into the latter category. Both are legitimate ways of working and both have their classical guitar playing devotees.

Built In Australia

Based in Adelaide, Jim Redgate only builds fifteen or so guitars a year. He has a Bachelor of Music Performance in Classical Guitar from the Elder Conservatorium.

He's built guitars since 1984 and his skill as a guitarist means that he has the rare ability to build each guitar from the perspective of the player. Jim Redgate's clients include professional guitarists and guitar collectors from all over the world.

Guitar Technology

Jim Redgate developed unique design features such as the arched back with no bracing. This is designed to increase the guitar's volume and improve the projection of the instrument.

There's also the under soundboard carbon fiber honeycomb lattice bracing system, a development unique to his classical guitars. I assume that this gives superior strength and stability without adding weight although that's not made clear on Redgate's web site.

Wood

Air seasoned wood used in the building of Jim Redgate guitars is hand picked from Western Red Cedar, German Spruce, Brazilian Rosewood, Honduras Mahogany, Spanish Cedar and Ebony. He uses almost exclusively from Brazilian Rosewood for the back and sides. The soundboard that he builds can be in Cedar or Spruce. The lattice braced instruments can be fitted with standard or elevated fingerboard upon request. Also optional is a fitted armrest.

The beautiful Jim Redgate designed rosette is hand crafted from native Australian woods. The colours of the inlay represent the Australian bush. The red Jarrah symbolises the central Australian desert. The green represents the leaves of the eucalyptus tree and the straw colour the dry grass of the bush. Australian Aboriginal artwork is represented by the outer snake like motif.

The demand for Jim Redgate classical guitars is growing with guitars being shipped to all corners of the globe. With only fifteen a year being made it's not going to be easy to get your hands on one.

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