Robert Ruck, 1984

This 1984 Robert Ruck is a truly special guitar, not only for its sound but for its place in Ruck’s legacy. This instrument is his 300th guitar, clearly marked on the original label and built at a moment when his voice as a maker was already fully formed and confident.

What makes this guitar remarkable is its breadth of expression. With the most gentle touch, it produces a beautiful, satisfying hum that feels complete and musical on its own. But if you are willing to explore further and push the guitar a little deeper, it unveils an entirely different character, revealing the magic that defines the very best Robert Ruck guitars.

This is a guitar that does not demand anything from the player. It simply invites you in, whether you want elegance and restraint or a bold, expressive palette.

Key Features

• Guitar number: No. 300

• Back & sides: Old Brazilian rosewood

• Tuners: Brand new Sloane tuners with snakewood buttons

Construction & Materials

The spruce top has aged beautifully, showing warm color and maturity. It is traditionally fan braced, featuring six fan braces along with a slightly thicker diagonal brace that adds stiffness and focus to the structure.

The back and sides are made from a gorgeous set of old Brazilian rosewood. Dark, straight grained, and understated, this is material defined by subtle elegance rather than flash. In the right light, its depth and refinement are unmistakable, and it represents the kind of Brazilian rosewood that is virtually impossible to source today.

The rosette is classic Ruck, with a vivid red border and fine detailing that continues to reveal more character the longer you look.

Neck, Setup & Hardware

The slightly longer 655 mm scale length paired with a 53.5 mm nut width offers generous spacing in the left hand, making this an especially appealing instrument for players who value room and clarity.

The guitar has been professionally refretted, something many guitars from the 1980s truly benefit from. The frets are tall, smooth, and modern feeling, contributing significantly to the clarity, sustain, and overall playability of the instrument today.

The neck has a comfortable C shape with a hint of D, without any flatness to the back. It feels immediately natural in the hand, and the action is low and effortless.

The headstock features a beautiful Brazilian rosewood veneer, and the guitar is fitted with brand new Sloane tuners with snakewood buttons, which operate smoothly and complement the instrument aesthetically.

Sound & Playability

This guitar is all about range and reward.

Played gently, it offers a warm, velvety sound with a deep, satisfying hum that feels complete even at the softest dynamics. The guitar vibrates freely in the hands and responds effortlessly.

When pushed, it opens up into something entirely different. The basses become rich, powerful, and sustaining, while the trebles can easily shift from warmth to a clear, glassy brilliance. The dynamic spectrum is wide, colorful, and deeply expressive.

It is equally at home with delicate playing over the fingerboard or more assertive articulation, and it never feels constrained or limited. This balance between refinement and boldness is what makes this guitar such a compelling example of Ruck’s work.

Strings

The guitar is currently strung with D’Addario XTC 45 (all nylon), which complements its character beautifully and allows the instrument to be pushed without becoming brittle.

Final Thoughts

Robert Ruck built more than a thousand guitars during his lifetime, and history has shown that exceptional instruments appear throughout his career. This No. 300 from 1984 stands proudly among them.

Expressive, elegant, and powerful when asked, this is a guitar that rewards curiosity and musical intent and earns its place among Ruck’s most compelling instruments.

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

Overall condition is excellent, especially for a guitar of this age.

• Light nail marks and normal playing wear are present throughout.

• There are a couple of very small, well repaired cracks in the top, likely addressed by Robert Ruck himself long ago. They are stable, difficult to see, and have no impact on sound or structure.

• The Brazilian rosewood back and sides are crack free, with only minor marks from normal use.

This is a guitar that has been played, cared for, and respected.