As we documented in our feature on Ted Newman Jones III, he has a unique place in rock ’n’ roll history. A fledgling guitar maker and modder, he started touring with The Rolling Stones in 1972 as ‘guitar tuner’ and in conjunction with Keith Richards created a five-string open G-tuned electric that featured in many Stones shows during the early to mid‑’70s.
Ted developed the design and, with initial funding from Keith, set up shop in Austin later in the ’70s where he and a small team began making guitars for local players and plenty of rock stars. Ted passed away in 2016, but prior to this current Newman owner, Jeff Smith, worked with him to digitise the design, which Ted approved.
