A word about my crew and a thank you.

It has been brought to my attention that the text of my site [Philosophy page] describes the process of my building these guitars all by myself and, truthfully, as I do not read my own brochure too often, I wanted to correct this information. It has been an amazing decade for me and I have enjoyed a great demand for these instruments, for which I am quite humbled and grateful. Indeed, the text of my brochure -- from which the Website was developed -- is perhaps over ten years old. At that time I did work singularly, but since the copy was written, the success I have had in the archtop world has made this impossible. I have some of the best help in the world of guitar making in my shop. First and foremost I have had the contribution for almost 9 years of Tom Cerletti. Tom first came to study with me in 1991-1993 and has been with me in one capacity or the other for all this time. He is a fine maker in his own right, and today he is my right hand man and is the foreman of the shop. His gift for guitar making and repair is enormous; his contribution to the state of the quality of my guitars is immeasurable. He has worked hard to perfect his gift. We have spent many a long night working maniacally on the instruments. I would truly not be where I am without his help. He has the greatest single gift for this work I have ever seen. I know that Tom is intending to have a higher profile and will start accepting orders soon and I wanted to make it clear how much I respect and admire his work. He has my support and I will be happy to recommend his work. If I were to die suddenly there is only one person who could finish all my work, to my satisfaction. Joe Dragony has been helping me recently and has also become a fine maker in his own right. Joe is from the Sacramento area of California and comes to help part time in between his busy building schedule. Joe first came as a student a number of years ago and his has worked very closely with me over the last year. He is one of the smartest people I know and I am proud of his progress as a builder of archtops. His friendship and commitment to the quality of my work is greatly appreciated. Richard Miller of San Francisco came to me after completing Bryan Gallops' guitar course and is trained as a graphic artist. Richard has been here for the last year part time and has brought his flare for art (he is also a cartoonist and scooter fanatic), as well as his exceptional focus and devotion to perfection, to his work here. He makes the long commute without complaining and works two days a week with us. I have one more helper who is a graduate of string making school in Cremona Italy but who prefers to remain anonymous. I am grateful for his excellent work, talent and ability to bring a sense of balance to the shop. The latest addition is Myurlyn Doione who is newly arrived and working part time here as well learning the ropes of the business. I wanted to take the time to thank my clients and helpers for helping to make these instruments, because after all is said and done, it is really all about the guitars. I would also like to thank one of my oldest friends and littermates, my Webmaster, the incomparable Bill Brickley, who -- despite my tardiness with his bass -- still helps me with my Website. He is the designer and controller of my web presence. Watch for some new developments on the site in the next few months! I feel so lucky to have Bill in my life and as we have known each other since we were about six or so . . . and he still puts up with me! [Very nice, Tom. Thank you. Now, where's my bass? I want it for the next time we jam! -bb] Finally, a word of thanks to my clients, without whom there would be no opportunity to leave these instruments on the planet. I am always honored by their patience, belief in my work and continued support. Tom Ribbecke

GALLERY
email Tom Ribbecke
Ribbecke Guitars
P.O. Box 2215
Healdsburg, CA 95448
707-433-3778