Robert Ruck, 1980

Few American luthiers have achieved the legendary status of Robert Ruck, whose instruments have been championed by some of the world’s greatest artists, most famously Manuel Barrueco, whose “No. 58” Ruck became one of the most recorded classical guitars in history.

This 1980 example, No. 205, was built during Ruck’s early Middleton, Wisconsin period and comes with the original signed and handwritten letter from the maker dated February 27, 1980. The letter confirms the specifications and serial number, and accompanies the guitar along with its original hardshell case, a wonderful piece of provenance and history.

• Serial No.: 205

• Scale Length: 664mm

• Back & Sides: Brazilian Rosewood 

• Neck: Mahogany (C-shaped, very comfortable)

• Rosette: Signature Ruck design with red and green “candy-cane” motif

• Condition: Excellent overall for its age, with nail marks here and there, one small ding on the top, and a clean setup with low action and ample saddle height remaining. One small addressed crack on the back.

This guitar beautifully balances the clarity and bite of spruce with the warmth often found in cedar. After 45 years of natural aging, the soundboard has fully opened up, delivering a deep, piano-like resonance with remarkable sustain and a slow, natural decay.

The basses are powerful and rich, with a growl that supports the crystalline treble response. The trebles remain sweet, clear, and responsive, allowing for nuanced dynamic control and expressive phrasing. Despite its longer 664mm scale, the neck profile feels compact and fluid under the hand, similar in comfort to a well-balanced Rodríguez or Friederich.

Overall, this is one of the most satisfying and powerful traditional Ruck guitars we have encountered, offering tremendous projection, clarity, and musical depth.

If you're interested in purchasing, please write to me at evan@guitarcollection.com