“40+ years ago, one of the most beautiful guitar designs was conceived in a little shop in Austin, TX. I am proud to be upholding the Legacy of this great American guitar.”

Jeff Smith/CEO

Newman Guitars was established in Austin, TX in 1977 by Ted Newman Jones. Ted was a pioneer of design and began to working for Keith Richards exclusively in late 1971. Ted and Keith designed the first five string open "G" guitar during the 1972 Rolling Stones U.S. Tour for Exile on Mainstreet. Ted worked for Keith Richards exclusively from 1972 to 1978.  But, by 1977, Ted showed interest in setting up shop in Austin, TX.  When Ted left Keith as his guitar tech/builder to establish the shop on 4th Street in Austin, Keith was gracious and funded the start up with $20,000.

At his Austin shop, he built for Keith Richards, Ron Wood, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, James Honeyman-Scott, Willie Nelson, Billy F Gibbons, George Jones, Lucinda Williams, Jesse Taylor, Rick Richards and a long list of others. He catered to the special needs of the artist and knew the importance of the musician to be inspired by his instrument. Teds' balanced body style and unique Asymmetrical "V" neck carve have made Newman Guitars legendary. 

In recent years, Jeff Smith worked with Ted to bring Newman Guitars into modern times. “We have refined building methods to insure consistent quality and customization options for the professional musician. The Newman Body Design is timeless and modern 40 + years later.  Look at our Ambigram logo and you'll see, there's nothing like a Newman”