Guitar Review – Unicorn Classic Ruokangas

By Pierre Journel
Published on 2017-05-5

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 backstager (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

The audio version of the review is listenable in the podcast and below:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 10:04 — 10.1MB) | Embed

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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.

Until the next gear review, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre.