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2011 Ribbecke Testadura

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Serial#: 504 Dated: 3/21/11, signed by the builder

Body size at lower bout: 15 3/8", Body Depth: 1 3/4 " Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut: 1 3/4"

Finish: Nitrocellulose lacquer type.

Materials: Solid bookmatched Sitka spruce top; handcarved tiger flame big leaf maple back; solid Brazilian rosewood sides and fingerboard; one piece graphite reinforced mahogany neck with tiger maple peghead veneers; pearl and abalone headstock and fingerboard inlay; koa bound body, headstock, neck, soundholes and pickguard; solid bone nut.

Hardware: Hardware includes ebony pickguard, tailpiece, pickup rings and tuner buttons; gold Schaller tuners, compensated adjustable Tuneomatic bridge and stop tailpiece; Custom Seymour Duncan humbucking pickups with master tone and volume controls and 3 way selector switch.

Notes: Few have done more to further the craft of the modern archtop guitar than California luthier Tom Ribbecke. Since founding his first workshop in San Francisco in 1972, Tom has produced not only master quality instruments but master quality luthiers themselves, in workshops and videos that have made him a legend among builders worldwide. Now located in scenic Sonoma County, Ribbecke continues to produce hand built masterworks of stunning quality for a few lucky players each year.

This masterful example is carved of cello grade tonewoods, with hand graduated Sitka spruce and big leaf tiger maple, air dried for 25 and 40 years respectively. In addition, both body and neck are stiffened with carbon graphite bracing, for additional rigidity and sustain. Solid Brazilian rosewood sides combine with curly koa binding to create a stunning contrast between top and back. Fittings are solid Cameroon ebony, right down to the pickup rings, an amazing touch.

At just 6lb 15oz. the guitar is far lighter than factory built semi-hollows, and beautifully balanced on thr lap or the strap. The neck has a classic gentle D profile, solid yet elegantly tapered, and the generous 1 3/4" nut allows for the comfort and articulation of the finest jazz guitars. The fine light Brazilian rosewood fingerboard has traditional dot inlays in copper-lined abalone, and the back of the peghead shows contrasting curly maple veneers layered in the style of the ornate banjos of the Jazz Age. The Seymour Duncan pickups are custom wound to Ribbecke's specifications, with a warm, rich voice with wonderful sustain and clarity. Ribbecke's guitars a rare and welcome find on the vintage market: owners are loath to surrender them. We are pleased to offer this outstanding creation in immaculate, virtually unplayed condition. Please feel free to call or Skype for a detailed audition.

Setup: This instrument is strung with light gauge nickel roundwound strings (.011). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 5/64" to 6/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.

Case: Original Cedar Creek deluxe arched plush lined hardshell case.

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