Podcast 49: Luthier Tom Ribbecke

Over the course of his 39 years as a luthier, Tom Ribbecke has
become one of the world's great archtop guitar builders and a
tireless educator, promoter and spokesperson for the world of
hand-built instruments. Sadly, Ribbecke may soon lose the
legendary workshop, teaching facility and home that he occupies
in Healdsburg, California.


On this week's podcast, we talk to Ribbecke about his vision for
saving the property and transforming it into a center where
luthiers can share their knowledge and elevate the craft of the
guitarmaking even further. He describes a couple of ways
guitarists can help him: by pre-ordering one of the Final 25
series of guitars that he will be building to a customer's specs
or perhaps by joining him as a partner on the entire facility.
Ribbecke only has about a month to secure the land and realizes
that it's a long shot, but he's confident that someone may want
to be involved in this unique endeavor.  


Ribbecke likens the area around Healdsburg -- and all of the
talented luthiers working nearby -- as the modern day Cremona of
guitars. We here at the FJ hope his vision for world
class center for lutherie comes to fruition.


For more information on Ribbecke, his guitar creations or the
Halfling model he invented, check out his site here. Or
watch some of the many YouTube clips from the reality
show based around his instrument company, Guitar Planet. And look
for a feature on Ribbecke in a future issue of The Fretboard
Journal.


Update: There is currently a Kickstarter campaign to
help create the Ribbecke Center for Stringed Instruments. As of
March 5, 2012, over $25,000 has been raised but there are still
many worthy rewards available in exchange for donating. 


Background music is by Michael Chapman, from the newly
reissued Rainmaker album.