Offset the ordinary
SISU
carries further
The ideal tool for players who refuse to be locked into a single genre. A true sonic chameleon, it adapts effortlessly—whether you’re shaping shimmering cleans, gritty overdrive, or anything in between.
Juha Ruokangas – Master Guitar Maker
Own your sisu
Sisu adapts to you. Sisu stands with you. And at its core, the Sisu Switcheroo—an exceptionally intuitive circuit design that unlocks a world of tones to fuel your sonic adventures!
Price starting at: 4 300€ (EU incl. VAT / outside EU ask for offer)
* Price with options selected as in the guitar pictured on the left: 4 900€
Pickups: Ruokangas Väinö & Aino humbuckers
Scale length: 25,5″
Weight: Generally between 3.2-3.5kg (7.05-7.75lbs)
Case: Custom hardshell case by Hiscox included
Warranty: 20 years
Sisu Switcheroo
More Than Meets The Eye
Many have noticed the row of switches on our new Sisu model. We knew this guitar deserved something extra—so we set out to design a switching system that goes beyond the ordinary. The result? A seamless, intuitive setup that unlocks 24 unique hum-canceling tones for your entertainment and inspiration!
Switcheroo – unlock 24 unique sounds
* Hats off to Lassi Ukkonen, the Overlord of Ohms and Oscillations
Switcherno – when less is more*
* Yngwie would disagree with you, sorry…
Colour options
Our BareBone finish in Ember Red colour reveals the natural topography of the wood, with fiery red grain lines rising from the deep black surface—like embers glowing through charred wood. A raw, tactile finish that looks intense and feels alive under your fingers.
Sculpted by nature
Each of the new Sisu custom colours unveils the natural grain of the wood, with vivid highlights glowing from the textured surface, enhancing the raw beauty of the BareBone treatment.
Sisu Pickguard Colours
Here are the most popular pickguard choices for Sisu. By default, the faceplates of the pickups will be matched to your selected pickguard.
Neck options
Sisu neck profiles
We offer eight standard neck profiles, with the Fast C and Slim Boat (a new profile!) being the most popular choices for Sisu. Explore all options here and find the perfect fit for your playing style.
Fast C shape
Nut width: 42mm
Thickness at 1st fret: 20mm
Thickness at 12th fret: 22mm
Slim Boat shape
Nut width: 42mm
Thickness at 1st fret: 22mm
Thickness at 12th fret: 24mm
Sisu fretwork
The most popular fret sizes for Sisu are Narrow High and Jumbo.
We offer several other options as well. Learn more about our fretwork and how different fret sizes impact playability.
Hardware options
Every detail matters
While Sisu comes with carefully selected hardware components, we know that players have different preferences based on their playing style. Here are the most commonly customized hardware options to make Sisu yours. Learn more about our hardware choices here.
Bridge options
• Mastery M1 + OMV Vibrato – A top-tier vibrato system made in the USA, known for smooth, expressive playability and tuning stability.
• ABM 3024 Wraparound – A premium quality German-made fixed bridge, further enhanced with Schroeder locking posts and our proprietary Lock-Thru-Body bushings for ultimate stability.
Tuner options
• Gotoh SD91 – A high-quality, non-locking tuner with a classic feel and reliable performance.
• Gotoh SD91-MGT – The locking version, featuring Gotoh’s Magnum Lock mechanism for effortless string changes and enhanced tuning stability.
Advanced options
Custom made for you
We can tailor your instrument in many ways—whether it’s neck profiles, fret sizes, finishes, hardware, pickups, or wiring circuits. Want a baritone scale, a fretless guitar, or elaborate engraved inlays? We’ve brought many guitar dreams to life—here are some examples.
Let’s talk guitars!
Even if you don’t have every detail of your dream guitar visualized, no worries. The next step is simple—just reach out. Ordering a custom guitar can feel daunting at first, but there’s no commitment in sending a request. It’s just the start of a conversation. We’ll talk guitars, explore ideas, and only when every detail feels right—then you’ll have the opportunity to pull the trigger, as the saying goes.
Every Ruokangas guitar is a true custom shop instrument—built one at a time, with no serial production. Your guitar is crafted from start to finish by a master luthier, ensuring a level of quality, detail and flexibility that mass production simply can’t offer.
I look forward to brainstorming your dream guitar with you! – Juha Ruokangas
Full specifications
* The specifications listed here match the sample guitar shown (Sisu #001)
Body colour: Ember Red
Body construction: Solid
Body finish: Bare Bone, with Paper Thin semi-gloss lacquer – read about our finishes
Body wood: Thermally Aged Alder – read about alder
Fretboard radius: 12″ – read why fretboard radius matters
Bridge: Mastery M1 / OMV
Controls: Master Volume / Master Tone / 3-way pickup selector / Sisu Switcheroo
Fret marker style: Clay dots
Fret amount: 21
Fret material: Stainless Steel – read about our fretwork and materials
Fret size: Narrow High (Jescar 55090-S) – read about our fret size options
Fretboard: East Indian Rosewood – read about rosewood
Fretboard finish: Oil/Wax
Hardware: Nickel plated / Stainless steel
Headstock colour: Natural
Knob type: S-style, black
Neck profile: Fast C – read about our neck profiles
Neck construction: Bolt-on, rounded heel with no neck plate
Neck finish: Paper Thin satin lacquer – read about our finishes
Neck wood: Thermally Aged Rock Maple – read about rock maple
Nut: Moose Shin Bone – read about moose bone and our vegan option
Pickguard: 4-ply Red Tortoise
Pickups: Ruokangas Väinö & Aino humbuckers – read about Ruokangas pickups
Scale length: 25,5″
String gauge: Elixir Nanoweb 010-046
Strap pins: Regular buttons, silicone straplocks included
String gauge: Elixir Nanoweb 010-046
Thermal ageing: Body and neck wood – find out what thermal ageing is about
Truss rod: 2-way, adjustable from headstock
Tuners: Non-locking Gotoh SD91
Weight: Generally between 3.2-3.5kg (7.05-7.75lbs)
Case: Hiscox hardshell case – more info about the case and what’s in the case
Get a personalized quote for Sisu—built just for you
Sisu doesn’t play by the rules
The design process for this guitar was different. From the ground up, we crafted our own pickups and packed in everything we know about wiring. But specs only tell part of the story—this guitar will surprise you!
Watch the Ruokangas YouTube Channel Sisu Playlist – A collection of videos we’ve filmed ourselves or discovered online—curated to showcase the Sisu in action.
Three decades in the making – for you
The Spirit of Sisu
In Finland, sisu is woven into our culture, our mindset—it’s the force that keeps us moving forward. Sisu is a quiet strength, an unshakable determination, a refusal to back down, no matter the challenge. Sisu is also about dignity—doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
As Ruokangas Guitars reaches 30 years, we celebrate that same spirit with Sisu, an instrument built with the same endurance, integrity, and drive. It is a tribute to resilience, to pushing beyond limits, and to the players who never stop searching for their sound.
A Tool Without Limits
Sisu is a sonic chameleon designed for players who refuse to be locked into a single genre. With the unmatched versatility of the Sisu Switcheroo, this guitar adapts effortlessly to whatever you throw at it.
At its heart are our Artisan Pickups with their innovative Flux-Coils—the perfect match for Sisu, delivering a balance of warmth, clarity, and articulation—whether you’re playing wide open or pushing the amp to its limits.
How to Own Sisu
We’ve made ordering Sisu as simple as possible. Choose from a curated selection of finishes, pickguard styles, and hardware options to make it yours.
From the moment you reach out, we’ll guide you through every step. No confusion, no hidden costs—just a clear, personal process to bring your Sisu to life. Whether you’re upgrading your go-to guitar or searching for something entirely new, we’re here to help.
Your humble servant
on a mission from the gods & goddesses of fretted instruments
Through music, we connect—beyond borders, beyond politics, beyond the madness of those who think the world is theirs to rename, redraw, and take. Sisu belongs to anyone who refuses to be silenced, who keeps pushing forward even when the world feels like it’s unraveling. In times like these, we hold onto what truly matters: creativity, expression, and each other.
Take care of your loved ones. Be well. Stay Safe. Peace, Love & Good Music!
– Juha Ruokangas
BUILT FOR LIFE
Our goal is to create the finest tools for your art of making music. Each Ruokangas guitar is individually handcrafted to the highest standards by our team, using the finest materials available. No serial production, no automation—just pure craftsmanship, built to last.
