Ribbecke Custom Monterey, 2008

I've known and admired Tom Ribbecke's lutherie skills for years. He's one of our master builders, and is respected across the world of lutherie by the top builders of our time. He's also well-known as the teacher and mentor to some of today's best young builders.  He's definitely got the chops, and on top of that, is a great guy.

What makes this Ribbecke so rare - and so compelling an instrument - is its wood. In Tom's own words, the wood for the sides and back is "unobtanium"; a rare stash of big leaf maple Tom was able to acquire from a cello builder. What makes it special, and the sound of the guitar so sweet and smooth, is that it was air, not kiln dried. Its acoustic sound is so rich and pure, if you only had one acoustic guitar, it would serve as that treasured instrument.

What's more, that sonorous quality comes shining through when amplified. It's remarkable.

Guitars this great don't come along too often. Air dried wood for new construction is nearly impossible to find. (Hence "unobtanium"). You owe it to yourself to call me to find out more.

If you'd like to find out more about this item, just call or e-mail me. It would be my pleasure to talk to you about it.