I didn’t expect this
The dynamics and presence of the Valvebucker are like nothing I have heard. Each nuance of my playing is conveyed so well I feel so inspired in a way I didn’t expect. I have never had this feel and tone before.
Revolutionary
I do think the Valvebucker is revolutionary. It sounds like having a beautiful mic right under my fingers and the instrument just rings with harmonics and amazing sustain.
Never heard something like the Valvebucker
I can play with it for hours and never tired and it sings with an incredible sustain and rich sound full of harmonics. Honestly never heard anything like that from any of my many guitars.
Like an angel
The Valvebucker can be gentle like an angel playing a harp as well so punchy like a hammer on an anvil or so much hard like a powerful hungry dog biting like hell.
Undeniable Fidelity
The Valvebucker has an undeniable fidelity! Very impressive! The entire piece works extremely well as an overall entity.”
Full-body experience
You cannot explain the Valvebucker. It is something you have to try and feel in your own hands. It’s a full-body experience.
New Sonic Territory
The Valvebucker definitely opens up new sonic territory that players who love hi-fi sounds will want to explore, and this alone makes it worthy of investigation for anyone who thinks they’ve heard it all and can appreciate the possibilities that lurk in the melding of two very different audio technologies from the past.
Its own animal…
I found that there is definitely a degree of detail and articulation and harmonically pleasing “juiciness” in the sound that makes this instrument (Duke w/ Valvebucker) its own animal…
Complex, distorted chords
I love how complex, distorted chords with open tunings for slide sound with the Valvebucker.
Much easier to let multiple parts speak
The range from top to bottom for moving parts of bass lines against chord melodies etc is balanced and nothing “pokes out” too much – much easier to let multiple parts speak.
Big, clean tone for my solos
The Valvebucker kind of reminds me of the difference between vintage Neve and SSL consoles of the day. I especially like it for dialing in a big, clean tone for my solo songs.
Doesn’t sound like anything else
The Valvebucker pickup system is unique and doesn’t sound like anything else. If I had to sum it up with one word, it would be smooth, as the Valvebucker is the smoothest sounding pickup I’ve ever experienced.
The Finer Resolution
The finer resolution, the richness, all the nuances of the sound – that to me, as a player, is the most significant thing about the Valvebucker system.
Very Unusual!
All that harmonic content makes the distorted sound very rich, multilayered.. like you would’ve already processed the sound to pop and shine in the mix. It’s really weird, cause all of this is happening at the very beginning of the chain. Very unusual!
Notes hang on…
Another thing, which I didn’t necessarily expect or see coming, is that with Valvebucker, notes hang on for noticeably longer.
Once I let go
Once I let go of the effort to find familiar voices I started to notice how each of the three sonic options from the Valvebucker pickup has its own compelling, dynamic, and expressive sound.
Setting the bar
Ruokangas sets the bar as a standard by which all of the boutique guitar companies should be measured against…
Playable Art
I love my Ruokangas Unicorn. Simply put, Ruokangas Guitars are Playable Art!
Truly green
There are green guitars. But this one is truly green!
Perfect for sessions
The ultra-clean electronics of the VSOP are perfect for sessions where avoiding noise is an important factor.
Very satisfied
I’ve been very satisfied to how all my Ruokangas guitars play, sound and feel – and they just keep getting better!
Big tone
The VSOP is my all-around workhorse with it’s clear, sustaining and BIG tone!
Kick ass
The Ruokangas guitars kick ass!
We’re pals
Me and the Duke, we’re pals. This guitar has been my main instrument since I bought it. I’m really happy with it
Allows me to express
Clear, sweet, very strong, with a beautiful individual character that allows me to transparently express my ideas.
Fantasy
This guitar is perfectly balanced, plays like a fantasy, and is extremely robust.
Better and better
I totally fell in love with the VSOP and yet it’s getting better and better. The sound of this guitar is unbelievable.
An indispensible tool
My Duke is an indispensible tool in my toolbox. I use it all the time.
All Ruokangas
I have many guitars, some are good, some even great. Then I have the ones I use. Those are all Ruokangas guitars.
Superb
This is superb. The Duke is the best electric guitar I’ve ever had!
The right tradition
Ruokangas guitars are well-made and they sound really sweet. They’re built in what I’d call the right tradition.
Unique sensitivity
I enjoy the unique sensitivity of the Steambass – whatever nuances I play, all can be heard.
Makes me smile
Grabbing one of my Ruokangas guitars makes me smile – how an earth can they feel and sound so great!?
Fits right in
The Duke Sonic is the most versatile guitar I’ve had the pleasure to fondle. Fits right in in every situation and band.
Own path
These guitars are for men who walk their own paths.
The only bass I play
All I can say is this – from the day I bought the Steam bass, it has been the only bass I play both in studio and live!
It plays itself
The Hellcat is so effortless – it practically plays itself. I can play and plan to play exactly what I want.
No rival
There is just no rival to the consistant and balanced tone of my Ruokangas guitar.
Like an old friend
The playability of the VSOP Classic is like meeting an old friend.
My search
My Duke has ended my search for a perfect dual-humbucker style guitar.
Impeccable
I thank Juha and everybody at Ruokangas for their impeccable work. I respect their fine attitude towards life!
Juha Ruokangas
Praise the Mighty Juha Ruokangas – God of Fretted Instruments!
Jazz and soul
The Mojo Classic is one of the most versatile tools to get the sound needed in jazz and soul. I love it!
Ultimate combination
Ruokangas guitars are the ultimate combination of vintage vibe with modern possibilities, looks and reliability.
Guitar evolution
The Duke is the most astounding guitar-evolution I’ve ever come across!
Players’ choice
The Mojo Grande survives rough life on the road. The players’ choice!
Ergonomic design
The Ruokangas VSOP is the most ergonomically designed guitar I have ever played.
Dream come true
My Duke Sonic is a dream come true! That’s all I can say – perfect!
Flawlessly designed
The Ruokangas team brought my vision of a perfect guitar to life! Every little intricate detail is flawlessly executed!
Second to none
The communication with Ruokangas during the build process and post delivery care are second to none.
Time to buy
Last time I bought an electric guitar (Telecaster) in 1966, and now it’s time to buy another one. This is superb!
Feel young again
The Hellcat is a supreme guitar. It begs to be played and makes an old man feel young again..!
Flawless finish
The finishing and setup of the Hellcat are flawless. Everyone will envy you when you’re on stage with this cat!
For fast fingers
The Hellcat is an invitation for fast fingers and bending strings..!
An amazing guitar
The Duke is an amazing guitar. Whether I am teaching jazz, rock, blues or country, this guitar has it covered!
As good as it gets
Your attention to detail and sonic resonance is as good as it gets. The fretwork is perfect!
Fat tone
I swear your Hellcat almost sounds like a bass-guitar – such a fat tone! Also, the pickups are a dream!
From sweetest to meanest
My new Mojo King delivers from the sweetest to meanest best sound, such great versatility!
No words
I can’t believe how beautiful the bass is! No words… Thank you so much for this wonderful instrument!
Fantastic guitar
Thanks for building me this fantastic guitar. My Unicorn is simply one of the best instruments I’ve ever played!
Makes me happy
My Steam Deluxe makes me Happy! It is funky, lightweight, covers all styles, easy to play, balanced, superb tone…
Every little thing
The tonality, sustain, overtones and high notes – every little thing you put in comes out great!
Killer guitar
I am totally in shock Juha! This is a killer guitar – I have 20 guitars, but this one is the best!
Feels just right
In a world of superfluous mass-production it’s a joy to come upon such craft going all the way, becoming true art.
I am in awe
Juha, like so many other players before me, I am in awe of your craftsmanship.
I love it
I love the Duke Artisan. Everything I play shows extremely well and honestly – unbelievable!
Real passion
The Ruokangas team have a real passion for their work! Every one of my Ruokangas guitars is absolutely awesome!
My first Ruokangas
I bought my first Ruokangas in 2002. Since then I’ve bought many more!
My musical path
I’m glad that I found Ruokangas in my musical path. Congratulations, you DO make the finest guitars in the world.
Natural sounding
At low gain, the Duke sounds very natural, almost like an acoustic or an electric with a piezo pickup.
Playing the Duke
As you might imagine, I spent a lot of time playing the Duke this weekend. I didn’t want to go to work this morning!
Crunch Tone Monster
The ultimate, dynamic Crunch-Tone-Monster is mine!
Exceptional twang
The Mojo King is so versatile – cuts through the mix – gorgeous in-between tones… and such an exceptional twang!
Piece of art
Simply awesome. Thank you very much for this new piece of art!
I am happy
What an amazing guitar – the sundance color fits perfectly! I am very happy that I finally own one of your guitars!
So much easier
The Mojo Classic is a great instrument – it’s going to make guitar recording so much easier!
Now I know
This is old news to you, but now I too know that you build the best guitars in the world!
Tone machine
Fantastic tone machines. So stable, resonant, and balanced that it’s hard to put them down once you pick them up.
Amazing range
The Mojo Deluxe range of tone and dynamics I can achieve just by using the pots is truly amazing.
New fan
The Mojo Grande is really really a top guitar – you have a new fan!
Like a goldmine
The Mojo Grande is like a new goldmine waiting to be explored. It is a guitar that I can grow and develop with!
Fantastic
The Mojo Grande really plays the way it looks. Fantastic. I especially like the warm acoustic feel to it!
I’m in heaven
When I turned 50, I bought a Ruokangas Mojo Grande 12-string guitar… and I’m in heaven.
It is alive
I have to say the Mojo Grande is even better than I imagined it could be. This guitar is alive!
Perfect in every way
Words seem inadequate. My new guitar is perfect in every way.
It has a soul
My Mojo King is a wonderful instrument – so responsive – it has a soul, I think!
Perfection
My new Mojo King is definitely the most beautiful and perfect of all objects I’ve ever owned!
Impressed
Everybody in my band was impressed of the different sounds of my Steam Classic
Sounds fantastic
The workmanship is excellent and it sounds fantastic – it’s clear that the Steam is made with dedication and passion.
Absolutely first class
The workmanship, sound, playability, look – even the accessories in the case are awesome, absolutely first class!
Blows me away
The Unicorn Artisan is unbelievable and just blows me away. This is indeed the best guitar in the world!
Feels like wood
I’m really enjoying the Unicorn! The back of neck feels like wood. No sticky finish!
Wonderful, wonderful
I love the tactile satin back and neck of the Unicorn. What a wonderful, wonderful guitar!
Great value
Through the excellent materials, attention to detail and sheer talent you deliver great value for money…
Sounds wonderful
I can confirm that the Unicorn not only looks absolutely gorgeous, but also sounds wonderful!
The next level
I am very happy with my Unicorn Classic and I am sure, that she is on the next level above of the rest of world!
Infinite sustain
The Unicorn has nearly infinite sustain and it’s so lightweight! The attack of the tone is really beautiful!
Another world
When I played a Ruokangas guitar for the first time, I discovered another world!
Something in it
The Unicorn sounds and plays amazingly! There’s something in it that other guitars haven’t had since the 60’s!
I’m thrilled
The workmanship and the finish of my Unicorn Artisan is really high end! Playing lead or clean – I’m thrilled!
Finest I’ve played
Thank you for this magnificent instrument – for sure the finest I’ve played. Plays beautifully right out of the box.
Not my last Ruokangas
I am very satisfied with my goldtop Unicorn. It might very well be, that this is not my last Ruokangas guitar.
Getting better all the time
Now 20 gigs done and the VSOP’s getting better all the time. It’s the guitar of my life!
From another planet
It’s like you are from another planet and arrived on earth to build the best guitars in the whole universe… seriously!
Gem to look at
Everything on the Duke is sheer perfection – the finish, wood choices, resonance, sustain and just a gem to look at.
Like Stradivarius
My Duke is incredible! So lively! I honestly think that the Ruokangas are the Stradivarius of electric guitars.
Everything changed
‘Getting my first Ruokangas changed everything! I didn’t even know what a brilliant instrument can do for me!
Others come and go
I love the tone of the Duke. I’ve played it for years and years, as many others have come and gone.
Ass kicker
The Duke sounds great on every amp setting! Excellent instrument! A real ass kicker!
All about rock’n’roll
The Duke Sonic is all about rock’n’roll – nothing to add! Great!
I was wrong
I thought my Duke was the best guitar on the planet, but I was wrong – my new VSOP DeLuxe is on the same level.
Jaws dropped
When I plugged in the Mojo to record our latest songs, everyone’s jaws dropped.
Like an old friend
I have owned many boutique instruments and this is the best I have played – it just feels like an old friend.
Exceptionally resonant
The Mojo Classic is so exceptionally resonant unplugged – it’s like playing an acoustic guitar!
Pleasure for the ears
I’m playing the Mojo Grande a lot and it’s a pleasure for the ears, the hands, and the eyes!
Sublime
I want to congratulate you and your team for building such wonderful instruments – my Mojo Grande is sublime.
The very best
My blue Mojo King is the very best guitar I’ve ever had and played!
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!
What a sound
I am proud to be the owner of this Steam Deluxe – what a beautiful masterpiece! What a sound and workmanship!
Masterpiece
The Unicorn is one of the most amazing masterpieces that I’ve ever had the pleasure to play!
Forging a unique path
You are certainly forging a unique path both in terms of guitar building style and guitar building philosophy!
Highest accolades
I would like to extend my highest accolades possible for the incredible design and workmanship of your guitars!
It just rings
I love this guitar. You are amazing. Unplugged, it just rings..!
Tone machine
What an amazing instrument. By the looks alone it is a stunner. And soundwise it’s a tone machine!
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.
Best guitar ever
Best guitar ever. The neck is just perfect. The color is awesome. Be very proud of yourself and your team – I am!
The one
I immediately fell in love with the Unicorn. I knew it was the one. As I plugged it in, it was just magic!
I have arrived
Since I bought the Duke and the Mojo from you I have stopped looking for anything else. I have arrived!
My absolute favorite
The Mojo Classic has become my absolute favorite guitar in all aspects. I love it!
Beautiful instrument
The Mojo Classic is a beautiful instrument that plays and sounds wonderful!
Lost for words
I’m lost for words to express what my ears hear, my eyes see and my fingers feel – you exceeded my all expectations!
Lot of fun
The sound and sustain of the Mojo Grande is fantastic. I’m having a lot of fun playing this beautiful guitar!
It breathes quality
The Mojo Grande breathes quality in every aspect. There is love and respect in what you do!
Sounds incredible
This Mojo is the very best guitar I’ve ever played. It looks, feels and sounds incredible!
Simple yet refined
The Mojo Grande is a masterpiece to be explored – at the same time simple yet refined.
Diamond
The Mojo Grande is the diamond among my many guitars.
Play better
I love the singing clarity, the transparency and the attack of the Mojo Grande. It makes me play better.
Like a good old friend
I can’t believe it’s possible to build a new guitar that feels and sounds like a twenty, thirty year old good friend!
I can’t put it down
I play every day and yet my fingers have still got sore because I can’t put the Mojo Grande down.
It is magical to me
There are songs and ideas within the Mojo Grande. It is magical to me.
Simply the best
Your Mojo is simply the best – and I’ve played hundreds, including all the top brands.
Piece of art
My 12-stringed Mojo Grande is a true piece of art, brilliant grand sound, easy to play and joy to eye.
Unbelievable
I am very happy! It’s unbelievable how the Mojo King reacts and how the tone evolves…
Soul of the luthier
It is said that a guitar carries a part of the soul of its maker. This is what’s really defining the Ruokangas superiority.
The best
Opened the case today. Man. You. Build. The. Best. Guitars. Period. Awesome!
For grown-ups
Ruokangas guitars are instruments for grown-ups!
The guitar is alive
The tone and responsiveness are amazing, it feels as if the guitar is alive!
Masterpiece
Many thanks for my amazing guitar. What can I say… it’s a perfect masterpiece!
Friendly frets
Absolutely gorgeous, love it. Beautiful! I like how the frets feel too. They’re very friendly frets.
Something special
There is really something special about your guitars and craftsmanship that other builders cannot reach…
Simply awesome
What can I say – this guitar is simply awesome! My expectations have been exceeded by large!
Happy in every way
Thank you maestro! Great work – I am really very happy in every way with the VSOP – playability, sound..!
Humble thanks
My humble thanks, guys, for the two VSOPs you built for me. May the excellence and mightiness be with you!
Key to happiness
It’s not smart to define happiness by fixed assets, but your guitars are the key to hours and hours of pure happiness!
Essential
The VSOP is very comfy to play both sitting down and strapped on – essential when playing through long sets.
Excellent work
The VSOP feels stable, stays in tune very well and looks attractive too. Excellent work!
Owning a Ruokangas
Owning a Ruokangas, to me, is like owning 3 albums worth of material you haven’t written yet!
The only guitar I need
The immense amount of tonal variation make it the only guitar I need for sessions and gigs.
Perfectly done
My Unicorn Classic arrived today in excellent condition – even the setup was done perfectly to my liking!
Now I know
Now I know what they mean by the phrases like piano-like-low-end and three-dimensional character…
Killer guitar
I’m very happy with my Duke – it’s a killer! The best sounding guitar I have ever played and owned.
The wood sings
The Duke has lived up to my expectations. The natural, matured wood sings beautifully through.
Versatility
I have especially noticed the tremendous versatility of tones I can play with the Duke when recording.
Reacts precisely
The Duke truly is alive, reacting precisely to players touch.
My playing changed
My playing has changed totally. I think these guitars separate guitar boys from guitar men!
Perfection
I can say that everything on all my Ruokangas guitars is absolute perfection!
Extraordinary
The Duke Artisan is a magnificent instrument with extraordinary sound and wonderful playability!
Like no other
The neck pickup of the Duke Classic exposes the inner voices of complex jazz chords like no other electric.
Like no other
The neck pickup of the Duke Classic exposes the inner voices of complex jazz chords like no other electric.
The Duke whispers
When playing singing, distorted rock melodies, the Duke whispers into my ear what note to play next.
Raising the standards
Ruokangas really raises the standards and expectations of guitar players world wide – can’t wait to buy another one!
Plays wonderfully
The Duke plays wonderfully, sounds clear and sweet, is built extremely well and is resonant and versatile.
Like no other
It responds to my touch like no other solidbody I’ve played.
Barks and growls
It barks and growls like a P90 loaded 50’s era guitar. It will always be a part of my arsenal.
One guitar
If I do an all-around gig and can bring only one guitar, it’s always the Duke.
Wherever I go
Wherever I go, I keep getting compliments of how great the Duke sounds and looks.
Just splendid
… and for my Santana-moments, the Unicorn sustains superbly. Just splendid.
Money can’t buy
Your love and dedication is something money can not buy – it is a gift from you to your customers.
It really sustains
The Unicorn is very articulate. The low end is nice and tight and it really sustains!
Heavenly tone
The build quality of the Unicorn is beyond anything I’ve ever seen and touched, and the tone is simply heavenly!
Never enough
I can say to all discerning collectors of fine musical instruments that one can never have enough Ruokangas guitars!
Unicorn Artisan
…outstanding craftsmanship and above all of unusual sound capacity, full of freshness, dynamic and vividness.
Not a toy
It’s definitely not a toy – but it makes me play like a child!
Finally
I finally have an instrument which effortlessly and boldly goes by my command.
Just perfect
My Hellcat is the best guitar I have ever encountered in 25 years of playing. It is just perfect!
RPM machine
The Hellcat is a sleek “RPM machine”. When you pick it up and start playing, it’s soon obvious what it is made for!
The force
Let the force be with you because the sustain is indeed there already.
Another one
One day I might need another guitar – and it will certainly be a Ruokangas, too!
Creative tool
The Steam is really a creative tool that supports and pushes me to develop my playing further. Thanks for that!
Dream come true
Honestly, I have no words to express how happy I am with the Steam Classic-5. For me it is a dream come true!
Never before
The Steam Classic has a very clear presence I’ve never experienced before!
Brilliance
As I play with warm tone or with the bridge pickup staccato sounds, the brilliance of the instrument is always there!
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.
Fits every job
The Ruokangas Steam can do every job for me perfectly!
So inspiring
The harmonics are also very rich and well defined. This bass blows me away – it’s so inspiring!
Work of art
The guitar is nothing short of a work of art, perfect in concept and execution.
Unicorn Classic
A better sounding and playing guitar simply can not be built!
It’s all there
The Unicorn leaves nothing to the imagination or to be desired – it’s all there!
Rich in overtones
Sustain is excellent and the Unicorn is rich in harmonic overtones.
Unicorn Classic
Every detail has been expertly accounted for and the result is a guitar that simply can not be made better.
Happy people
If you do all your work as you’ve done with my Steam Classic, you make a lot of people happy. Beautiful!
New vision
The Unicorn takes a bow to its role model, while offering a new vision – right down to the timbre.
Friendly frets
Absolutely gorgeous, love it. Beautiful! I like how the frets feel too. They’re very friendly frets.
Life’s too short
Life is just too short to play bad guitars.
Master of his craft
Juha Ruokangas is a master of his craft and the model Unicorn Classic has once again clearly demonstrated it.
Musical empathy
You will find not only amazing craftsmanship, but particularly musical empathy to an impressive expression.
No doubt
No doubt about it, Juha Ruokangas is one of the very exceptional guitarbuilders in Europe.
Obvious choice
I’ve always wanted to walk my own paths, and for me Ruokangas guitar was an obvious choice.
Passion and inspiration
The Unicorn Artisan is the epitome of passion and inspiration.
Strength and body
In addition to the warmth and clarity, the Unicorn has excellent mids, adding strength and body to the sound.
The Unicorn growls
The Unicorn growls and has assertiveness – but nevertheless doesn’t lack elegance.
Unicorn Artisan
Expensive? Yes, but worth every single euro!
Admirable dedication
Juha is a passionate, adventurous builder with an admirable dedication to using locally sourced materials.
Authority
The guitar delivers pop, rock and country with powerful authority.
Loving craftsmanship
The magic of this instrument yields from loving craftsmanship and uncompromised attention to detail.
Masterpiece
After the first note it’s clear that Juha Ruokangas can conjure up something really special. A masterpiece!
Raw power
The Mojo King breathes tradition and raw power combined with modern finesse and outstanding properties.
Sensuously smooth
I’ll probably always remember the sensuously smooth finish and expertly rolled edges of the Mojo King’s neck.
Something special
You don’t have to look long to see the Mojo King is something special.
The most inviting
But the neck is what did it for me. It stands out as the most comfortable and inviting I’ve ever encountered.
Three-dimensional
When the Mojo King is running clean (or semi-clean) it conjures lush, airy, three-dimensional tones.
Crazy proud
In Finland, guitar making is a matter of great pride. And they must be crazy proud of Ruokangas Guitars.
Full points and more
Besides the shiny frets all the finishing touches of the Duke earn full points and more…
Like and old friend
… the guitar feels like someone you have known for a long time and want to continue spending time with.
The smallest detail
The VSOP is a high quality instrument down to the smallest detail.
It’s meant for me
It simply feels like it’s meant for me and is the most beautiful sounding and looking guitar I’ve ever had.
Best I’ve seen
The setup is perfect for my taste and the built quality is just the very best I have ever seen.
Mojo will be resqued
This is my finest guitar! I own a couple, some great stuff – but if my house starts burning, the Mojo vill be rescued!
My main guitar
My Aeon Artist and Deluxe are my main guitars. They make me play better – like the guitar was playing me!
Like a grand piano
The Aeon reacts to different nuances just the way I want – every note is distinct like in a grand piano.
Dream to play
Man, I love this guitar! It’s a dream to play and sounds terrific!