Here is in review a new exceptional guitar, the Unicorn Classic model built in the Finnish luthier Juha Ruokangas workshop. It is an instrument that was kindly lent me by a premium subscriber (thank you David!). Given the very small number of guitars made by Juha and his team, it was an unexpected opportunity to test a guitar of this caliber.
We are indeed here in the super high-end realm. The price of this model with the options included in this specific instrument (superb table, gold hardware, etc.) requires a budget of about 9 500 €. Ah yes, it stings a bit! But let's forget any financial considerations and let us listen and watch this beauty!
Unicorn Classic Ruokangas video
Review Setup
Signal Path : Guitar > Pimento overdrive > V-Twin amp from Kelt Amplification > SM58
Photo Album
Unicorn Video Diary
The luthier Juha Ruokangas has recorded an awesome series of videos to document the Unicorn model conception. It's excellent stuff, watch it!
What I enjoyed the most
- The exceptional quality of the lutherie
- An impeccable finish
- The sounds
- The beauty of the instrument
What I enjoyed the least
- Maybe too perfect?
Conclusion
Difficult to find a fault with this guitar. Honestly, I have searched, I have not found any. One can love or not, but impossible to take it in default. It is very beautiful, it is very well done and it sounds great. The only thing that can be criticized is precisely to be perhaps too perfect, too smooth. And again ... When you start playing on a Unicorn, you have trouble stopping. The tuning stability is perfect. The notes ring throughout the neck. Whether in clean sound, crunch or heavy saturation, this guitar is at ease everywhere.
The Guitar Channel podcast
The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Until the next gear review, keep on playing the guitar!
Pierre Journel.
For more info:
Juha Ruokangas Chronicles & Interviews
Luthier Guitar Reviews
