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2002 Ribbecke Monterey
Tom Ribbecke
Jazz players have come to me throughout the years with the goal of owning a carved top acoustic archtop for home and studio and a laminated gigging guitar to take to the job that can handle volume without feedback issues.
arch top electric
We have just acquired (after a 6 1/2 year wait), the very first Kiso-Ribbecke guitar ever made. The great irony is that the color chosen for the Kiso-Ribbecke is the same as our Ribbecke Monterey! Here is a one-time opportunity to own a matched pair of guitars made by Master guitar luthier Tom Ribbecke! Photos in our photo gallery are of the carved Monterey. The Kiso-Ribbecke was made both in Tom's shop in Healdsburg, California, with the Kiso luthier team present, and in Japan at the Kiso shop with Tom Ribbecke present and involved! The Kiso-Ribbecke is a look-alike laminated version of this Monterey carved archtop.

The guitar is in near-new condition, with only a few hours of total playing time on the instrument. This is a story that will accompany these guitars and add to their interest as part of today's chapter of Ribbecke guitar history. Here is some background on the carved Ribbecke, made by Tom: This like-new Ribbecke has been in the mix during our popular blindfold guitar-tastings.

A lightly 'orange-toasted blonde' Sitka spruce soundboard sits atop European maple cello woods on the sides and beautifully carved back. Tom Ribbecke initially got this guitar back from a client who could not keep it for financial reasons. He remarked that it was "so babied by its owner that it was like-new!" So, since our relationship with Tom is a good one--he agreed to offer a new warranty on the instrument to its next owner, and placed it in our care. Where else can you have an opportunity to be the second original owner of a fine guitar?

This instrument is a representative example of Tom's lutherie as it has evolved to its highest level. 28-plus years of evolution and hard work has earned Tom Ribbecke a place among the top ranks of archtop makers. The sustain is hauntingly beautiful. Even, rich tone with even timbre across the fretboard. Play it pretty or burn those jazz lines with the easy facility of this fast, well carved neck. With an inspiring instrument, you'll enjoy the hours you spend playing at a much more satisfying level. This is an exciting gift you can give to yourself for your music, for your lifetime." --Richard

$23,000 for both instruments.

(Ordering a Ribbecke Monterey alone at the same price as direct from the maker, would cost $23,000 with a 5-year wait).

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