Jim Redgate (born 1963) is an Adelaide guitar maker, perhaps the best-known builder of lattice-top guitars in Australia after Greg Smallman, who also builds double-top guitars.
Jim Redgate at a Glance
- Born: 1963, London
- Workshop: Adelaide, South Australia
- Known for: lattice-braced guitars and double tops with a honeycomb core
- Played by: Ana Vidović, Ralph Towner, Odair Assad, Slava Grigoryan, Aleksandr Tsiboulski
Lattice Guitars
Like Smallman’s, Redgate’s lattice guitars have thick, heavily domed backs that create an extremely rigid, solid body, so that almost all of the vibration goes to the soundboard – a thin top heavily reinforced with a lattice of over 20 balsa braces with carbon fiber integrated throughout. The added power of this system has been attractive to younger players, most notably Ana Vidović, who has had great success concertizing on his instruments.
Double Tops
Jim also builds double-topped guitars: a honeycombed core sandwiched between two thin cedar skins, braced with diagonal (not fanned) braces anchored by open, scalloped cross braces. They are much lighter than his lattice guitars, with a more traditional feel and added power and balance, and have been played by Ralph Towner, Odair Assad, Slava Grigoryan and Aleksandr Tsiboulski. His labels read “J.K. Redgate, Luthier, Adelaide” or “Jim Redgate, Luthier, Australia”, signed and often numbered.
Jim Redgate Guitars at GSI
Many Jim Redgate guitars have passed through our doors over the years. You’ll find guitars currently in stock by clicking the “Guitars In Stock” button in the header of this page as well as earlier examples in our Museum by clicking the “Guitars In Museum” button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jim Redgate?
An Australian guitar maker, born in London in 1963, working in Adelaide, known for lattice and double-top guitars.
What is the difference between Redgate’s lattice and double-top guitars?
The lattice guitars have balsa-and-carbon lattice tops and heavy domed backs; the double tops have a honeycomb core between two thin cedar skins and feel lighter and more traditional.
Who plays Jim Redgate guitars?
Ana Vidović, Ralph Towner, Odair Assad and Slava Grigoryan, among others.
