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Kiso Ribbecke 17" Archtop
Kiso Ribbecke · c. 2010
A rarity! This guitar is the result of a collaboration between Tom Ribbecke and the artisans at Kiso. These guitars were based on the Ribbecke Monterey, and bear a strong resemblance, down to the carving style and 25.25” string length.
Specs / Measurements
c2010
Spruce / Figured maple, all solid carved
~1.77” nut
~25.25” string length
~2.23” string spacing at saddle
Multi-ply purflings throughout
Ken Armstrong floating pickup
Kiso-branded gold tuners
Original Kiso-branded Cedar Creek alligator case
Condition / Setup Notes
Excellent(+); The guitar is very clean overall, and has only the lightest wear that needs to be looked for with raking light. Slightest fret wear. Nice and light setup currently, with string height about 4/64”-3/64” from bass to treble, with just a touch of relief.
Additional Thoughts
A very high cool-factor on this one. It’s beautifully finished, carved exquisitely, and has such a nice sound. These were in production only for a short time, and are a rarity. Perhaps based on 25.25” string length, I find that the guitar responds well to fingerstyle applications as well. Regardless of electronics, for me the hallmark of a carved archtop is a good acoustic sound first, and this guitar certainly satisfies.
Kiso Ribbecke · c. 2010
A rarity! This guitar is the result of a collaboration between Tom Ribbecke and the artisans at Kiso. These guitars were based on the Ribbecke Monterey, and bear a strong resemblance, down to the carving style and 25.25” string length.
Specs / Measurements
c2010
Spruce / Figured maple, all solid carved
~1.77” nut
~25.25” string length
~2.23” string spacing at saddle
Multi-ply purflings throughout
Ken Armstrong floating pickup
Kiso-branded gold tuners
Original Kiso-branded Cedar Creek alligator case
Condition / Setup Notes
Excellent(+); The guitar is very clean overall, and has only the lightest wear that needs to be looked for with raking light. Slightest fret wear. Nice and light setup currently, with string height about 4/64”-3/64” from bass to treble, with just a touch of relief.
Additional Thoughts
A very high cool-factor on this one. It’s beautifully finished, carved exquisitely, and has such a nice sound. These were in production only for a short time, and are a rarity. Perhaps based on 25.25” string length, I find that the guitar responds well to fingerstyle applications as well. Regardless of electronics, for me the hallmark of a carved archtop is a good acoustic sound first, and this guitar certainly satisfies.