2008 Jim Redgate "Double Top" CD/CSAR

After Greg Smallman, Jim Redgate is perhaps the next best well-known maker of lattice-top guitars working out of Australia. However, Jim also builds double-topped guitars, which have been played by many professionals including Ralph Towner, Odair Assad, Slava Grigoryan and Aleksandr Tsiboulski to name but a few. The instrument we offer here is one of these double-topped guitars. In contrast to his lattice instruments this double top is much lighter in weight, with a more traditional feel. Sandwiched between two thin pieces of cedar is a honeycombed material, and the inside is braced with 6 braces (not fanned) at a diagonal to the soundhole, angled to the treble side as they proceed down from the soundhole towards the foot. These braces are anchored in several places with "open" and scalloped cross braces, perhaps at particular nodal points to control overtone content in the sound. This system produces a sound with added power and balance. The soundboard is has a very thin oil finish, and the back and sides are lacquered, making this a very durable instrument for the player looking for a workhorse of a concert guitar. It is fitted with an armrest to protect the lower bout from excessive right arm wear, and a set of Graf tuning machines. Apart from one cleated crack on soundboard below the bridge on the bass side, and a string ding off the first string, it is in excellent condition with only minor signs of previous use.