Robert Ruck, 1995
Cedar / Indian Rosewood
Overview
Robert Ruck needs little introduction. His instruments have been played by generations of top artists and remain among the most sought after American made concert guitars. Ruck’s cedar instruments in particular have a devoted following. They are known for their rich color, immediate responsiveness, and deep musicality that stays unmistakably Spanish at their core.
This 1995 example is a standout. It features an unusually early raised fingerboard, making it the most comfortable Ruck I have played. The setup, neck angle, and relief are all perfect, and the playability feels more like a top level modern concert guitar than a 1990s instrument. It has just received a professional refret and now plays absolutely effortlessly.
The original owner was a university professor in Arizona who played the instrument extensively, but it remains structurally clean with no cracks, no repairs, and what appears to be its original finish. As with most Rucks of this era, the top is French polished and the back and sides appear to be lacquered. Gilbert tuners complete the package.
Sound
This guitar captures everything players love about cedar Rucks. It is powerful, warm, and extremely alive under the hands, with that characteristic sense of weight and "chunk" in the basses. The trebles are thick, round, and creamy, yet they keep their Spanish identity and never become dull. The entire instrument feels like it breathes.
There is an immediacy and punch to the sound that makes it a thrilling concert guitar, yet it also has a lyrical side that rewards subtlety and color shading. It has that unmistakable Ruck personality that merges warmth with clarity in a way few makers achieve.
Simply put, this is a top tier Ruck that checks every box: volume, warmth, comfort, punch, and character.
Key Features
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Cedar top
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Indian rosewood back and sides
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Early raised fingerboard
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655 mm scale,
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54 mm nut width, 44.5mm string spacing at nut
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Very comfortable neck profile
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Expert refret in 2024, plays like new
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Original finish (French polish top, lacquer back and sides)
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Gilbert tuners
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Powerful, loud, highly responsive voice with classic Ruck warmth
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No cracks, no structural issues, clean throughout
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Perfect neck angle and relief
If you're interested in purchasing, please write to me at evan@guitarcollection.com
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