Robert Ruck - 1999 No. 700
Robert Ruck - 1999 No. 700
Overview
Overview
About the luthier
Robert Ruck (1945–2018) was one of the most influential American guitar makers of the 20th and early 21st centuries. He began building guitars in the late 1960s and went on to craft over 1,000 instruments during his prolific career. Based in Washington State, Ruck earned recognition for his guitars having exceptional clarity, balance, and power. He described his approach as striving for “maximum response with minimal effort from the player.” His instruments became highly sought after by top guitarists around the world.
One of his most famous collaborations was with the renowned guitarist Manuel Barrueco, who recorded many of his most celebrated albums on a 1972 Robert Ruck guitar. In Barrueco’s own words: “The Ruck guitar has a sound that’s lyrical, clear, and yet full of character—it’s like having a voice that can both whisper and soar.” Through his artistry and geniality, Robert Ruck left an enduring mark on the history of American guitar making.
About the guitar
This 1999 Robert Ruck No. 700 is a superb concert guitar that reflects the maturity of one of America’s most respected luthiers. Built with a 66 cm scale and a 52.5 mm nut width, the guitar combines a commanding presence with comfortable playability. The longer scale contributes to its assertive tone and excellent projection, while the neck and setup make it a very approachable instrument for a wide range of players.
The sound is powerful and clear, with excellent tone separation and balance across all registers. The cedar top delivers warmth and responsiveness, complemented by the Indian rosewood back and sides which add depth and richness. The guitar’s voice is articulate and open, well-suited to both solo repertoire and ensemble contexts.
Visually, the instrument displays refined craftsmanship and high-quality tonewoods, enhanced by a nitrocellulose finish. It is equipped with Alessi tuners and strung with Knobloch EDC 34.0 strings. This instrument originally formed part of a significant private collection and is now offered in excellent condition, showing only minimal cosmetic wear from normal use.
Condition
This guitar is in excellent condition with only light signs of play, such as minor wear to the top from normal fingernail contact. The back and sides show minimal surface marks consistent with careful use.
Luthier: | Robert Ruck |
Construction year: | 1999 |
Construction type: | Traditional |
Top: | Cedar |
Back and sides: | Indian rosewood |
Finish: | Nitrocellulose |
Air body frequency: | G / G# |
Scale: | 660 mm |
Nut: | 52.5 mm |
Weight: | 1635 grams |
Tuners: | Alessi |
Strings: | Knobloch - EDC 34.0 |
Condition: | Excellent |
Case: | Hiscox Pro II |
Details about GPSR:
Classical Guitar
Robert Ruck
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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