2023 was a great year!
As a guitar company, we have always worked hard to be uniquely positioned in a crowded space. We have listened to our artists and developed new technologies and techniques to bring their vision to reality in physical form. We strive to build relationships that help us build more guitars for those who like what we do. We understand this mindset alone can set the pace for a wonderful year. Yet, there are a few highlights that put this year over the top for NEWMAN Guitars.
Early in 2023, we set out to re-design the 5 String bridge with the goal of standardization. The development of the bridge would and allow for a new generation instrument to be more available to the public. This bridge allows us to build more 5 Strings as the bridge itself was always the obstacle in either cost, design limitations or availability. Well.. the bridge is here now. It is spectacular and all within the year from when we started. More information on NEWMAN bridges will be released in 2024.
Moving along through 2023, in July we got a call from Austin Hanks and Billy F Gibbons to let us know the Honeycomb Chambered GT’s would be their #1 guitars on the BFG’s European Tour. We made several of these for Billy. But…these would be the GT guitars designed by Billy to be recognizable. And they were very popular being Gulf colors Blue and Orange. Billy and Austin did indeed play them as their #1’s for the entire tour. In fact, they were the only guitars played on the European Tour! I do mean every song at every gig! That’s a testament that we are very much proud of. So much great professional photography poured in from these historic venues. Whether YouTube or Photography archives, it was a unique and historic moment for us that makes 2023 a great year for us to remember.
Earlier in 2023, we started talking with Cream T Custom Shop in the UK about taking our interests further than just building pickups together. Both companies have a love for building guitars. However, this relationship couldn’t get to the 5 String models without the standardization of the 5 String bridge. Now….we plan on 5 and 6 String guitar in solidbody and Honeycomb Chambered options. The timing of 2023 from start to finish was great! 2023 ironically ironed out all the developments necessary to make this next year another fun ride! We do believe that 2024 will be another great year and I am the most excited about what it will bring with the hard work of 2023. But…I sure did LOVE 2023! Thank you!
Jeff Smith/NEWMAN