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.
