This week we check out the Ruokangas Steambass Deluxe, a specialized version of the company’s flagship bass model. Hand-made in Finland, the bass is set apart by a 2-piece Spanish cedar body with a thermo treated arctic birch top. Its rock maple neck is also topped with a thermo treated Indian rosewood fingerboard.
“From the guitar maker’s point of view, the best and most apparent affect of Thermo Treatment is the increased stability of the wood,” Ruokangas explains. “Simply, this means less adjusting for necks and more relaxed pieces of wood to start building from. The increased stiffness improves the tonal behavior of the guitar as well, making the necks more evenly resonating, which eliminates dead spots.”
The bass is fitted with either J/J or P/J pickups by H. Häussel. While each bass is made to order, other standard features include nickel plated Gotoh hardware, a Moose shin bone nut, and a Volume/Volume/Tone control configuration.
Ruokangas Steambass Deluxe Bass Photos:
