Ruokangas (ruokangas.com) is a difficult name to pronounce for us but it's a well known name on The Guitar Channel since there have already been several interviews with luthier Juha Ruokangas as well as several luthier chronicles. In the category of high-end luthier guitars, here is the Unicorn Classic, the reinterpretation of the Les Paul by the Finnish luthier.
Unicorn Classic Ruokangas review
Review setup
- Ampli: Marshall 6101
- Sound: Universal Audio OX Box
- Effects: reverb and ping-pong delay added at the mixing console
Photo album
What I enjoyed the most
- Top quality lutherie
- Fabulous fret work
- The beauty of the top
- Sound quality
- The dynamics of the instrument
What I enjoyed the least
- As ergonomic as a Les Paul...
- The price
Conclusion
Every time with the instruments that come out of Ruokangas Guitars, it's a blast. With this Unicorn Classic, everything is there, the beauty of the woods, the quality of the lutherie, the fretwork, the sound, just about everything!
These Unibuckers from Ruokangas are excellent. They keep a nice clarity in the sound and are very pleasant to play in clear sound, which is not always the case with humbucker pickups.
This model is clearly inspired by the mythical Les Paul, no mistake about this. The Unicorn has everything that makes the elegance of this classic shape, but also what makes it, to my very personal taste, a guitar that is not very ergonomic.
Let me explain: the edges of the table are very sharp, it is not very comfortable for the forearm, there is no stomach cut. In short, you know the drill.
If you want a Les Paul type guitar with a top level lutherie, this Unicorn Classic may be made for you knowing that the price is 8 800€ TTC. Yes, Finnish quality comes at a price!
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 or interview, keep on playing the guitar!
Pierre Journel.
For more info:
Juha Ruokangas Chronicles & Interviews
Luthier Guitar Reviews
