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Ruben Guitar Custom Build
It is always cool to read/watch others go through their custom build process - seeing the wood selection, debating over technical and aesthetic details, hearing the story behind why etc... For me, I think it may be my turn (finally!). I'd like to share my story to attempt to give back to a community that has provided so many great stories over the years. In sharing my story I also hope to provide more information about a local Australian guitar builder Ruben Becker and his brand, Ruben guitars, which sadly doesn't receive much press.
The closest I've come to a "custom" guitar has been a Maton Custom Shop Traditional. That guitar was my first "real" guitar and signified a moment of awakening for me where I realized why high-quality guitars demand such a premium (most of the time anyway). And although the guitar was equally at home with finger or flat picking, had exceptional projection and great tone, I still felt like I had to compromise my style and playing to suit it. That guitar is gone now and another Maton (non-custom shop) took its place - an easier to play guitar with great electronics for live performances, but it lacks the soul and character that makes you feel like the instrument is calling at you from across the room. I think you all know what I'm talking about ... So then... what of the build? As I mentioned, I'd like to go with a local builder, and Ruben Becker was mentioned to me by a guitar student of mine. I hadn't heard of him previously but once I saw his website and the beautiful builds he had done previously I just had to get in touch. I ended up going to his workshop and having a bit of a tour which was very humbling - his workspace was raw and simple, set in a beautiful woody secluded area. You got the feeling that time wasn't a problem out here, something I can imagine would translate into your work no what you did. During that visit, I was also schooled in various wood types, construction techniques, finishes etc which made the trip even more worth it. After being shown a selection of top woods, back and sides including an incredible black and white ebony back ($$$$), I ended up going with the following Indian Rosewood back: As for the top, Ruben told me about a shipment of "Old Growth" Adirondack they were getting, including a 450 year old solid one piece top. Yes, one piece. Supposedly you could track, using the rings, key events in history like early settlements etc. Pretty cool, but I won't get my hopes up that it is a top quality tone wood until I see it in person. That's it for now as I'm aware this post is getting long! I'll go a physical see this top wood this week at some point, and then I'll also post details about the other specs of the guitar
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Debut instrumental album First Wave || iTunes: https://itun.es/au/e5opkb, Google Play: https://goo.gl/tM49B2, Amazon: https://goo.gl/671X9C |
#2
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That is one gorgeous set of Indian Rosewood! Love it!
Welcome to the forum and congrats on your build. I look forward to following along.
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Life is like a box of chocolates .... |
#3
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I have never seen EIR look like that, wowzer!!!!! Maybe like the toilet water going the other way round down there, the EIR looks like BRW!!!!!!!!!!
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PS. I love guitars! |
#4
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Yeah it's quite strange isn't it.. When I first saw it IR didn't immediately spring to mind, especially because I've been programmed to see your typical Martin OMs with straight lines etc. I'll be checking out the sound board tomorrow so hopefully some pics to follow soon!
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Debut instrumental album First Wave || iTunes: https://itun.es/au/e5opkb, Google Play: https://goo.gl/tM49B2, Amazon: https://goo.gl/671X9C |
#5
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Update:
I went by the factory today to suss out more of the spec. Here are some additional photos of the back and sides - I hadn't seen the sides so was pleasantly surprised to see that they were soo figured, which will work nicely with the back I believe. In terms of the other specs, I think I'll go with the following: Actual Build Shape: OM No. Frets: 14 Top Wood: 500 Year Old Adirondack Back and Sides: Figured Indian Rosewood Binding: Flamed maple Purfling: Herringbone, white on black Rosette: Herringbone Pickguard: None Fretboard Material: Ebony Fretboard inlay: Abalone Snowflake Fret Material: Stainless Steel normal profile Neck wood: One-piece Honduran Mahogany Neck binding: None Head plate: IR Veneer from back wood scraps Tuning Machines: Gotoh 510 Bridge: Ebony Saddle and Nut: Bone Strap Pin: Chrome Pickup: LR Baggs Lyric
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Debut instrumental album First Wave || iTunes: https://itun.es/au/e5opkb, Google Play: https://goo.gl/tM49B2, Amazon: https://goo.gl/671X9C Last edited by tiri; 02-24-2017 at 01:47 AM. Reason: typo |
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Beautiful wood!
Hey, welcome!
Wow, with that wood set I would be tempted to go with a longer body, like a 000 12 fret. But then I am a complete 12 fret fanatic. You can get the comfort of an OM with the whomp of a dread, or close to it, at least with the longer body. Sure is pretty! Have fun with the build Cheers Paul
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3 John Kinnaird SS 12c CUSTOMS: Big Maple/Cedar Dread Jumbo Spanish Cedar/WRC Jumbo OLD Brazilian RW/WRC R.T 2 12c sinker RW/Claro 96 422ce bought new! 96 LKSM 12 552ce 12x12 J. Stepick Bari Weissy WRC/Walnut More |
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Love your specs. Sure is some awesome IR!
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Life is like a box of chocolates .... |
#8
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More updates
I went to visit Ruben again today - it was not disappointed! I find it quite cool to be able to see a master's work in progress, and yet again Ruben afforded me time to discuss any and all details involved in creating this guitar. Really looking forward to getting more photos soon!
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Debut instrumental album First Wave || iTunes: https://itun.es/au/e5opkb, Google Play: https://goo.gl/tM49B2, Amazon: https://goo.gl/671X9C |
#9
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Some more photos
Thought I'd post an update on how the build is going: in short, really great! here are some photos from when I dropped by the shop to do a "neck profiling". So Ruben presented me with a neck that had been shaped to a certain level, then got me to assess if I wanted it with a different profile, or just thinner in general, and shaped it there on the spot. Really cool to see and feel the neck take shape. After a few passes, the neck was really feeling great and I had that "ah ha!" moment. I'm due to pick up the guitar in a few days so some completed shots are soon to follow I'm sure
hd host images
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Debut instrumental album First Wave || iTunes: https://itun.es/au/e5opkb, Google Play: https://goo.gl/tM49B2, Amazon: https://goo.gl/671X9C |
#10
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Gorgeous! Happy for you!
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Life is like a box of chocolates .... |
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That is a beautiful guitar!
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#12
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Lovely guitar! I like how he has continued the back figure into the heelcap.
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#13
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Hey Tiri, how did the guitar turn out? I'm interested in potentially getting one of these guitars one day. It looks amazing.
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Updates
Apologies for the late reply everyone! Things have been hectic
Here are some photos that were just taken with my iPhone. I am so pleased to say that the guitar is opening up nicely and I've given it to a few really good players like Simon Hossford who commented on the punchy tone which was really cool to hear haha. If anyone is going to the Australian Guitar show this weekend this guitar will be on display at the Ruben Guitars stand so you're more than welcome to come and try it out if you're so inclined, and it would be cool to have a chat with fellow forum members anyhow If you want to hear it check out my YouTube page [/url] how to upload pics [url=https://ibb.co/hH7cn5]
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Debut instrumental album First Wave || iTunes: https://itun.es/au/e5opkb, Google Play: https://goo.gl/tM49B2, Amazon: https://goo.gl/671X9C |
#15
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Quote:
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Tags |
australia, custom build, ruben |
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