"To design and build the ultimate set-neck guitar ever - quite a goal, I'd say. Looking back - almost a decade after the birth of first prototypes - the Duke satisfies me perfectly. The classic tone is there, but with a number of features to improve the ergonomics, strength, weight and sound of this type guitar. And when it comes to curves... the Duke looks just beautiful, doesn't it?" - Juha Ruokangas, 2003
The Duke comes in five flavors; the Sonic, the Standard, the Deluxe, the Artisan, and the Royale.
DUKE SONIC:
For many players less means more. The Duke Sonic offers just that - without decoration or confusing options. This single-pickup axe is surprisingly versatile, offering characteristic, aggressive yet warm tone. If you need a solid set-neck, stripped down rock'n'roll guitar, the Duke Sonic is your choice!
Sonic features: The basic version of the Duke Sonic is equipped with either a Dukebucker or SingleSonic pickup with volume and tone control. A two-pickup version also available. The standard colour options are vintage white and transparent ruby red.
DUKE STANDARD:
This model started the Duke Series. Original design, carved top, unique lightweight body/neckwood, painstaking attention to detail, handwound pickups, genuine pearl inlays... the list could go on and on. Duke Standard is a fully armed set-neck solid body electric without compromise!
Standard features: The basic version of the Standard comes with a calibrated set of Ruokangas Dukebucker pickups and chrome plated hardware. The 2-piece cedar body is fitted with birch or maple top. All Duke colours available. See the details window for more specific information.
DUKE DELUXE:
The unparalleled beauty of the DeLuxe makes it the most popular model of the Duke series. Although more expensive, it's hard to resist the hypnotizing looks of the most exquisitely figured woods the nature has to offer us.
DeLuxe features: The DeLuxe differs from the Standard by its figured top wood. Tonally the Standard and DeLuxe are equal. The most exotic highly figured arctic birch tops are very rare, so please ask for prices and availability.
DUKE ARTISAN:
The semi-acoustic Artisan rings like a bell. The guitar is light as a feather and senses the players touch extremely well. The exceptional figure of the ThermoTreated Arctic Birch top is highlighted by a beautiful art nouveau style soundhole designed by Juha.
Artisan features: The Spanish Cedar Artisan body is semihollow with unique center block open on the centerline. Ivoroid bindings line out the body, ebony fretboard and truss rod coverplate beautifully. All Duke pickups, electronics and colours available.
DUKE ROYALE:
The Ruokangas Guitars 10-year anniversary model. A semi-acoustic guitar taken to the absolute extreme. Juhas attention to detail is breathtaking. Both top and back are handcarved and tuned from the inside as in prestige jazz guitars. The tone? Excuisitely matured and smooth with beautiful piano-like sustaining quality. The best of the best.
Royale features: The Royale top is handcarved of finest ThermoTreated Arctic Birch from northern Finland. The 2.25" thick hollow body is made of ultralight Spanish Cedar. Multiple bindings highlight the figures of this beautiful instrument (see the hi-res pics). Delicately designed abalone inlays complement the overall design, soundholes, shaping and color. The flagship Duke model for years to come. Destroy All Guitars
