NEWMAN Legacy Models. The story of 11 guitars.

The NEWMAN shop had 10 unfinished Flamed Cherry NeckThru bodies when Ted passed away in 2016.  Ted had coveted these bodies.  Jacob Harper and I had completed the prototype and I took it to Ted for approval.  Ted called it the “Legacy Model” and signed the back of the headstock.  This was on June 16th, 2016, 2 weeks before he passed.  “Now it’s time to move on to the others” Ted said.  However, there was so much NEWMAN work to do beyond these guitar, it seemed like it would never happen.  But, here’s how the story ends for the 10 Flamed Cherry NeckThru bodies he coveted so very much.

With the prototype approved and 10 guitars to finish, I set out on the task.  Ted and I discussed that we would “work with Luthiers who we respect which will be a way of them working with you.”  He liked the idea that we launch a coop and partnership with the finest guitar builders available.  Ted and I worked with Jacob Harper and we knew he would be critical help.  Jacob completed Legacy #1, 2 and #3.  Then, while at the Dallas International Guitar Festival in 2017, #4 of 10 sold.  The new owner had great respect for the Legacy of Ted wanted it to remain unfinished.  So, #4 is back in Texas which makes me smile. #5 is committed to Blues artist Jeremiah Johnson who also owns #3 and will be made by Jacob.  As for #6, it was finished by respected Luthier Bill Harden whom Ted had mentioned as a builder he liked.  #7 is being finished by Robert Mondell in NJ, a great and respected builder.  I knew Robert would be a great choice if he would agree to do it.  That said, #8 and 9 are in the hands of the great builder Saul Koll, Master Luthier from Oregon.  Giving full reign on design to these builders allows me to see how they would have collaborated with Ted.  That’s a legacy unfolding.

#10 is a 5 String that Ted had in process for Keith Richards at the time Ted passed.  When I looked at all the guitars, I thought this one had to be in another category.  I called Jane Rose and offered to finish the guitar.  They decided the guitar should remain unfinished. #10 retains Ted’s original pencil marks for Keith specifications and measurements.  It captures a moment in time where Ted was making his own Legacy Model for one of his greatest friends and influences, Keith Richards.  It’s a very historic piece.

So, 4 years later, the Legacy Models are in place.  The promise becomes reality.  The story ends with “beautiful woods making beautiful guitars by beautiful people.”  That’s a Legacy.