Tone that pulls
your audience in
ruokangas
artisan pickups
The best songs often just happen. A melody appears, a chord progression finds its way – like it was always there. That’s how these pickups came to be. Not by chasing a plan, but by stumbling onto something I couldn’t ignore. A discovery – driven by my refusal to settle for either old or new. I wanted both. From the new – consistency and reliability. From the old – the way a note breathes, the way a chord moves you.
Then, the unexpected happened. A breakthrough that changed everything. A shift in perspective—and suddenly, what was said to be impossible… wasn’t.
What we found is what I’m about to share with you.
Juha Ruokangas – Master Guitar Maker
Pickup models
Every Ruokangas Artisan Pickup is crafted not just to meet a standard, but to inspire. Built with the same love and dedication as our guitars, they deliver the depth, clarity, and musicality every player deserves.
Designed with standard sizing, they fit any guitar with traditional pickup dimensions. Whether you’re breathing new life into an old favorite or exploring a fresh tonal palette, Artisan Pickups bring Ruokangas-level craftsmanship into your hands.
Aino
Neck Humbucker
Image: Arctic Birch – other styles available
Neck humbuckers often tend to be dark and soft sounding, lacking articulation and presence. Aino is different. It balances warmth with clarity, keeping every note defined and expressive. And with a wide range of design options, you can make it yours.
Väinö
Bridge Humbucker
Image: Arctic Birch – other styles available
Bridge humbuckers often push power at the cost of openness. Väinö delivers both—punch and muscle, yet stays expressive and articulate even when driven hard. And with our variety of design options, you can shape it to match your style.
You have arrived
You know the feeling of chasing that sound, that moment when everything clicks, and you just know: ‘Yes. This is it!’ But how do you make it real, so when you hear it, you know you’ve arrived?
Watch and listen to Ruokangas Artisan Pickups in action on YouTube!
“I set out to find a completely cruelty-free guitar, only to realize how limited the pickup options really were. What’s with the beeswax in almost all pickups? We tried modern alternatives, but the sound wasn’t there—and the old-school ones squealed like crazy when I cranked up my Marshall! Then, Juha suggested I try the new humbuckers they’re making. The result? F***n’ finally! A pickup that sounds as refined as the guitar itself. And as a bonus, it happens to be a perfect fit for a fully vegan build.
Sorry, neighbours—I just can’t stop playing.”
Junnu Vuorela
Barking Mad
A single-coil guy
I’ve been a single-coil guy almost my whole life, so getting used to humbuckers has taken some time. I’ve been playing these daily for over two weeks now. It’s coming together. The top end is just beautiful—there’s plenty of it, it cuts through, but it doesn’t hurt my ears!
There’s no going back
I absolutely love them. There’s no going back. All the air and clarity pushing through the tone. And the character! These Ruokangas humbuckers are simply inspiring and damn good!
Flux-coil stabilization
IMAGE: “Unseen forces that shape your guitar’s sound.”
Beam me up, Scotty!
It may sound like something out of Star Trek, but Flux-Coil™ Stabilization is very real—it’s about controlling the unseen forces that shape the sound of your guitar.
Traditional wax potting locks the entire coil in place, reducing microphonics but also limiting openness. Our approach is different. By stabilizing only specific coil segments, we preserve the natural movement where it matters most.
What makes it different?
A lively, transparent, and articulate tone that doesn’t squeal even at high volumes.
Zero squeal
Unpotted pickups sound more open, but can be unpredictable at high volumes. Our Flux-Coil™ Stabilization changes the game, controlling microphonics while keeping the tone alive.
Control over change
The tool value
The much-mythologized ‘50s tone wasn’t just about magic—it was also shaped by looser tolerances and chance. But today, sound isn’t just about character—it’s a tool, and tools must be consistent and reliable.
Beyond hand-wound
Hand-winding pickups is a trial-and-error process—refined over years, but still filled with hidden guesswork. We’ve taken a different path, using modern precision winding to achieve consistency, repeatability, and complete control over every parameter.
From our guitars to yours
We knew these pickups were something special—so why keep them to ourselves? For the first time, Ruokangas pickups are available for every player—whether you’re upgrading an old favorite or shaping something new.
BUILT FOR LIFE
Our purpose is to create the best possible tools for your music—and that philosophy extends beyond our guitars to every pickup we make. Built with the same dedication and precision, Ruokangas pickups are made to stand the test of time.
Frequently asked questions
Is it for me?
Don’t take our word for it—listen for yourself. Check out the YouTube clips, hear how our pickups sound in real-world use, and decide with your own ears.
I play loud - does it squeal?
No. Flux-Coil™ Stabilization keeps the pickups open and dynamic while preventing unwanted feedback—so you get the tone you love, without the squeal.
Will it fit my guitar?
Our Artisan Pickups follow standard sizing and fit most guitars with traditional pickup dimensions. If your guitar takes standard pickups, you’re good to go.
Are these pickups pricey?
No! While handcrafted pickups are often seen as expensive, we’ve made sure ours stay attainably priced—so more players can explore, experiment, and chase the sound they’ve always wanted.
How does this crunch work for you?
Don’t miss the details—listen with quality speakers or headphones.
Player: Antti Paranko
Guitar: Ruokangas Unicorn Classic
Pickups: Ruokangas Väinö & Aino
Fx: Mad Professor Royal Blue & Ruby Red, Source Audio Atlas & Ventris, Strymon Timeline
Amps: Two-Rock Exo & Mesa Boogie Studio .22
Speaking on Behalf of My Team
I have a feeling we’ve created something meaningful—something that will inspire players on their journey to becoming better musicians, composers, and artists.
As luthiers, we are constantly searching for a sound that moves us. That search is what connects us. For some, it’s the thrill of the hunt. For others, it’s chasing the next big thing. And then there are those who hear a sound in their head—one that refuses to let go, driving them forward.
Whatever it is for you, I hope you find it. And if we, as a team, have helped you get even a little closer to that something—I couldn’t be more grateful.
Juha Ruokangas
Master Luthier
Peace, love, and good music.