Jim Redgate’s collaboration with Ana Vidovic has led to one of our favorite classicals to pass through the shop in a long, long time. This is an example of when power plays perfectly alongside poise and elegance. We love the smooth, rich quality that the bass register lends to the voice, and the fact that it blends so easily with the mids and top end. Projection is flawless and crystal; a true concert hall instrument. But this Redgate doesn’t suffer a brittle or harsh tone in order to achieve that volume. Jim manages to coax out balance and power in equal measure.
The back and sides are dramatically figured Ziricote (also at the headplate), and this Ana Vidovic Model features a Spruce double top with lattice bracing and a satin finish for maximum resonance. Elsewhere the guitar is finished to a glossy sheen. An armrest protects the top from the player’s arm, and a slightly elevated fingerboard allows easier access to the topmost frets. This entire operation weighs under four pounds. It’s a lifetime guitar from one of our modern masters.
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