ALLOW YOUR PLAYING
SHAKE THE FOUNDATIONS
As a music lover, I’m not usually analyzing the sound too much. I’m more into listening to you and your music. Getting into the groove. But in my profession as a luthier, I also know that with the right tools, your musical communication with your audience can get even deeper.
Juha Ruokangas – Master Guitar Maker
STEAM CLASSIC
Steam combines the best features of classic bolt-on basses with my design language, special knowledge of tonewood and a few fresh tweaks not often seen in basses. It is a no-nonsense powerhouse, that helps you get the job done better.
STEAM CLASSIC 5
There’s more to making a great 5-stringed bass than just adding one string and changing some parts and measurements. The real challenge is the low B string. To fully understand what I mean, you need to experience the Steam 5 – then you will know how powerful and balanced a low B can sound at its very best.
STEAM DELUXE
My tonewood combo of spanish cedar and thermally aged arctic birch has certainly made a mark in the world of guitars – and its musicality shines through beautifully in basses, too. The Deluxe sounds huge – and the looks aren’t too bad, either
STEAM DELUXE 5
Musicality of an instrument begins from the material selection, and a 5-stringed bass is one of the most challenging instrument types to perfect. The super low frequencies set very special demands for both the tonewood and the design – and I have been fortunate on both fronts – the Deluxe 5 certainly delivers the goods.
MAKING THE STEAM
I wanted to make a bass model ever since I started working with thermally aged tonewood, but I needed help cause I’m not a bass player – so I kept pushing the project aside. Eventually, my dear friend and amazing bass artist Markus Setzer persuaded me to get on with it, and offered to share his profound bass expertise with me. The stars were aligned right, and the outcome is quite extraordinary.
Watch the Ruokangas YouTube channel Steam Playlist – a collection of videos we’ve either filmed by ourselves or found online and wanted to share with you.
PUNCHY SOUND
I love to use alder as the body wood for Steam cause it has that punchy sound a great bass needs. Alder has comfy weight and it looks great with see-thru finish. As a nice little bonus for us, this tonewood grows locally, right here on our backyard. Alder gives our basses a classic, open voiced and ringing tone that most players would define as “vintage”.
IT'S ALIVE
Wood is a living material. When I had built ten instruments out of spanish cedar I thought I knew it all – but now, after about a thousand instruments later, I realize I am still learning. That is why I don’t offer all kinds of exotic wood combinations for my basses. There would simply be too many variables – and I don’t want to use my clients as guinea pigs.
BETTER CONTROL
I was hoping to work miracles with thermally aged tonewood, and keep the problematic peak resonances causing dead spots better in control. Later on, when my first bass prototype was being tested in Germany by Markus Setzer, I recall one of his first comments was: “All the notes sustain in such way that it shouldn’t be possible”. I was thrilled. I knew I was onto something extraordinary.
Every little thing
The tonality, sustain, overtones and high notes – every little thing you put in comes out great!
What a sound
I am proud to be the owner of this Steam Deluxe – what a beautiful masterpiece! What a sound and workmanship!
My fingers won’t stop
Everything is perfect – the look and the sound. I played for the last 2 hours and my fingers just won’t stop.
I am in love
I am in love with the Steam Classic! Every time I open the case I’m impressed by the look and craftsmanship!
The search has ended
A long search and a lot of wasted money has come to an end. I don’t think I’ll ever need other basses.
Creative tool
The Steam is really a creative tool that supports and pushes me to develop my playing further. Thanks for that!
Crazy proud
In Finland, guitar making is a matter of great pride. And they must be crazy proud of Ruokangas Guitars.
Never before
The Steam Classic has a very clear presence I’ve never experienced before!
Fits every job
The Ruokangas Steam can do every job for me perfectly!
Loving craftsmanship
The magic of this instrument yields from loving craftsmanship and uncompromised attention to detail.
FEEL IT
IDEAL FINISH
CURATED CHOICES
TRANSPARENCY
BUILT FOR LIFE
Our purpose is to create the ideal tools for your art of making music. To achieve this goal, each of our guitars is individually handmade to the highest standard by one of us, the Ruokangas team, using the finest materials in the world. No serial production methods or automated processes are involved in the making.
UNIQUE PICKUPS
PASSIVE BOOST
LUCID CLARITY
GIMME STEAM
To me, the spirit of bass guitar begins with rhythm. I often compare bass to a steam locomotive with its hypnotizing rhythm and immense power. But bass can be a distinguished melodic instrument as well. It is an instrument of many faces, and I’m humbled that my basses have been so well received by so many gifted musicians.
UNIQUE SENSITIVITY
I enjoy the unique sensitivity of the Steam bass – whatever nuances I play, all can be heard. The harmonics are also very rich and well defined. This bass blows me away – it’s so inspiring!
– Markus Setzer | Markus Setzer Homepage
MAKING MUSIC
If I want to be the best, there is no room for ego. Why? Because ego is all about wanting – and mastering a craft is not. It’s about growing into my full potential, freeing my creativity and serving others. It’s the same with making music – the fulfillment comes from letting go and giving, not wanting.
– Juha Ruokangas