Robert Ruck - 1988 ON HOLD

Robert Ruck - 1988 ON HOLD

Overview

About the luthier

Robert Ruck (1945–2018) was one of the most influential American luthiers of the twentieth century. He gained international recognition thanks to artists such as Manuel Barrueco and Shin-ichi Fukuda, who recorded extensively on his instruments. Renowned for his strong character and profound love of the guitar, Ruck left an enduring mark on the development of modern American guitar making. His guitars are admired for their refined craftsmanship, tonal depth, and reliability in the hands of professional performers.

About the guitar

This guitar built in 1988 is a fine example of Robert Ruck’s traditional work. It features a spruce soundboard paired with Indian rosewood back and sides, completed with a nitrocellulose finish. The choice of materials reflects both elegance and tonal refinement, offering clarity, projection, and balance across registers. With a scale length of 650 mm and a nut width of 53 mm, it provides a comfortable playing setup, supported by Sloane tuning machines and fitted with Knobloch EDC 34.0 strings.

Tonally, this instrument delivers the qualities for which Ruck guitars are highly regarded: a rich and open voice, strong sustain, and a mature harmonic texture. It projects with ease, while offering a refined tonal palette suited to both solo and ensemble playing. Its sound has a remarkable clarity in polyphonic passages, where the separation of voices is particularly effective. This guitar is not only a professional concert instrument but also a collectible piece from one of America’s most respected luthiers.

Condition

The guitar, built in 1988, is in very good condition. It shows only light signs of normal use and wear.

Luthier: Robert Ruck
Construction year: 1988
Construction type: Traditional
Top: Spruce
Back and sides: Indian rosewood
Finish: Nitrocellulose
Air body frequency: G#
Scale: 650 mm
Nut: 53 mm
Weight: 1560 grams
Tuners: Sloane
Strings: Knobloch - EDC 34.0
Condition: Very good
Case: Hardshell

Details about GPSR:

Classical Guitar

Manufacturer Information:

Robert Ruck

Responsible Person:

Siccas Guitars GmbH, Roonstr. 31, 76137 Karlsruhe, Germany, www.siccasguitars.com, info@siccasguitars.com

Note: For antique guitars, the GPSR does not apply.

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Video overview

Robert Ruck 1988 Classical Guitar Review
Will This Wood Combination Work for a Classical Guitar? WGM #171 - Myers, Fleta, Fallah, Doriean ...

While this one is sold, these are ready for you

  • Classical Guitar

    The classical guitar, with its soft nylon strings and characteristic timbre, has become a symbol of chamber music, Spanish tradition, and concert repertoire. Its modern form was shaped by Antonio de Torres in the 19th century, setting the standard for the body, fan bracing, and the 65-centimeter scale length that are still used today. Instruments in this category open up a rich palette from the refined Romantic miniatures of Tárrega to the majestic concertos of Rodrigo. Here you will find guitars that preserve historical continuity and at the same time inspire new interpretations.
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  • Luthier: Hermann Hauser II
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  • Construction Year: 2006
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    Back and Sides: Brazilian rosewood (CITES certified)
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