Jim Redgate

Jim Redgate builds some of the loudest, most projecting classical guitars in the world — and they are not loud at the expense of nuance. His Adelaide workshop has produced double-top and traditional-construction instruments that concert performers trust for their reliability, projection, and the quality of their silence. Instruments come to market rarely. When they do, they move quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Classical Guitars

How do I choose the right classical guitar for my level?

Choosing the right classical guitar depends on your playing level, musical goals, and budget. Beginners benefit from studio-model guitars from renowned workshops, while advanced players and professionals often choose a handmade master guitar. We are happy to advise you personally and can send detailed sound samples and videos on request.

What is the difference between a master guitar and a studio guitar?

Master guitars are built entirely by hand in the workshop of a single luthier, using only high-quality, well-aged tonewoods. Studio guitars are made in small series, often under the supervision of the master luthier, and offer excellent value for students and ambitious amateur players.

Can I try a classical guitar at home for 14 days?

Yes — every guitar you purchase from us comes with a 14-day home approval period. This complimentary trial applies worldwide to all orders, whether you are in Germany, Europe, the USA, Asia or anywhere else. We ship your instrument fully insured in a high-quality case so you can play it under your own acoustic conditions. If the guitar is not the right one for you, simply send it back and receive a full refund of the purchase price.

Can I try a classical guitar before purchasing?

Absolutely. You are warmly invited to visit our showroom in Karlsruhe, Germany, and test the instruments at your leisure. We are happy to schedule a personal appointment. If a visit is not possible, we send detailed videos and sound samples, and offer extensive consultation by phone or video call.

What payment methods and financing options do you offer?

We accept bank transfer, PayPal, major credit cards, and Klarna. For high-value instruments, we offer individual installment plans on request. Please contact us directly — we will find a suitable solution for every budget.

How do I properly care for my classical guitar?

A classical guitar requires constant humidity between 45 and 55 percent. Store the instrument in its case with a humidifier, avoid direct sunlight and large temperature fluctuations. Change the strings regularly and clean the guitar with a soft microfiber cloth.

You may also be interested Jim Redgate

The question people ask most often about Jim Redgate guitars is the price — which tells you something about how they are perceived. Players who have heard them in concert halls, or played them privately, come away wanting one. They are not cheap. They are not easy to find. And the Jim Redgate guitars for sale that do appear on the market rarely stay available for long.

What Makes Redgate Different

Jim Redgate applies an engineering rigour to guitar making that is unusual in any tradition. Based in Adelaide, South Australia, he has conducted research into soundboard acoustics, bracing geometry, and tonal-wood properties that goes beyond the empirical trial-and-error of most luthiers. The results are audible: instruments that produce more volume and projection per unit of playing effort than almost any competitor, while maintaining the tonal nuance and expressive range that concert performance demands.

His double-top guitars in particular have attracted sustained attention. The Nomex honeycomb construction, refined over years of development, produces instruments with immediate response, exceptional projection, and a tonal character that retains warmth despite the power — avoiding the thin or harsh quality that less well-executed double-tops can produce. His traditional-construction instruments are equally impressive: conventional-looking guitars that consistently outperform similarly built instruments from makers with less focused research.

Concert Use and Player Trust

Redgate's instruments have been adopted by internationally recognised concert performers who play them in major halls around the world. The criteria these players apply are unforgiving: the instrument must project cleanly to the back of a large hall, respond without hesitation at pianissimo, sustain without blooming, and maintain tuning stability through changed humidity and temperature. Redgate instruments meet these criteria reliably — which is why players who have made the investment rarely move on.

Buying a Redgate: What to Expect

New Redgate instruments are built to order, with significant waiting times. The instruments that appear on the secondary market — played instruments from performers who are upgrading or simplifying their collections — represent an opportunity to acquire a known, broken-in instrument. These are often instruments that have been played in major venues: the tone has developed, any construction issues have long since become apparent and addressed.

At Siccas Guitars, every Redgate we list is filmed in full by a professional guitarist — so you can hear the projection, the dynamic range, and the tonal character before committing. We provide full provenance and condition assessments with every instrument.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Jim Redgate guitar price?

New instruments from Jim Redgate command prices commensurate with top-level handmade concert guitars. Secondary market prices vary with age, model, and condition. Contact our team for current availability and pricing on specific instruments.

Does Jim Redgate build traditional guitars as well as double-tops?

Yes — Redgate builds both double-top and traditional-construction (solid spruce or cedar top) instruments. Both benefit from his research-driven approach; the difference is in the degree of projection and the specific tonal character.

How long is the waiting list for a new Jim Redgate guitar?

Waiting times for new instruments from Jim Redgate are significant — typically measured in years. Secondary market instruments from our collection offer an alternative route to ownership without the wait.

Browse Jim Redgate Guitars

Every instrument filmed in full. 14-day home trial, worldwide insured shipping, full provenance. Browse Jim Redgate guitars or speak to our team.