Jim Redgate

Jim Redgate, born in London in 1963 and based in Australia, is one of the world’s leading contemporary luthiers. A trained musician and accomplished guitarist, he combines musical insight with technical mastery to craft guitars of exceptional tone, sustain, and projection. Since becoming a full-time luthier in 1992, Redgate has built around 20 instruments annually, including his acclaimed Lattice, Double Top, and Wave Double Top models. Renowned artists such as Pepe Romero, Ana Vidović, Odair Assad, Slava Grigoryan, and Meng Su perform on his guitars, which are widely regarded as among the finest concert instruments in the world.

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.

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Jim Redgate – Guitar Maker

Jim Redgate was born in London in 1963, and his family moved to Australia in 1966. His father, a skilled craftsman, introduced him to woodworking from an early age. At 19, Jim decided to build his first guitar while studying music and theory at college. A year later, he enrolled in a Certificate of Music Performance program, which he completed in 1985, followed by a Performance degree at the Elder Conservatorium of Music in Adelaide, graduating with honors in 1988.

During his studies, Redgate performed in numerous solo and ensemble concerts on guitars he built himself, even winning a study scholarship. His experience as a guitarist gives him a rare ability to assess instruments from a player’s perspective—a vital skill for any luthier. After finishing his studies, he chose to dedicate himself fully to guitar making. Initially supporting himself through teaching, he became a full-time luthier in 1992.

Tradition Meets Innovation

Redgate mastered the art of traditional Spanish guitar construction before exploring new materials and techniques. His guitars soon gained international acclaim for their tone, craftsmanship, and projection. Today, he produces around 20 instruments per year in his home workshop in Adelaide, Australia. His guitars are played by some of the world’s most accomplished performers, including Pepe Romero, Ana Vidovic, Odair Assad, and Slava Grigoryan.

Redgate’s instruments are known for their exceptional sustain, warmth, and tonal complexity. They exhibit a wide range of expressive color and superb midrange responsiveness. He offers two main Double Top models: the standard Double Top and the “Wave” Double Top, which features a slightly arched soundboard. Both models are regarded among the finest Double Top guitars built in the world today.

Played by

Many leading guitarists perform on Redgate guitars, including:

  • Pepe Romero (Traditional)
  • Ana Vidovic (USA) – Lattice
  • Meng Su (China) – Double Top
  • Ralph Towner (Italy) – Double Top and Traditional
  • Slava Grigoryan (Australia) – Wave Double Top, Double Top, Traditional, Wave Baritone
  • Leonard Grigoryan (Australia) – Double Top and Traditional
  • Odair Assad (Belgium) – Double Top
  • Wolfgang Muthspiel (Austria) – Wave Double Top
  • Karin Schaupp (Australia) – Wave Double Top
  • Aleksandr Tsiboulski (Australia) – Double Top
  • Emmanuel Rossfelder (France) – Lattice
  • Andrey Lebedev (Australia) – Double Top

Conclusion

Jim Redgate stands among the world’s most innovative and respected luthiers. His mastery of both traditional and modern building techniques, combined with his deep musical understanding, has resulted in instruments played on the world’s greatest concert stages. Redgate guitars embody power, warmth, and playability—each one a true reflection of his lifelong passion for excellence in guitar making.

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