We have our KickStarter page up and running to collect funds to start the Ribbecke Center for Stringed Instruments! Click here to view it.

Tom has been living in Healdsburg and working in his iconic barn for nearly ten years. Now, the owners of the property are ready to sell it. Tom is trying to find a way to buy this property and create something really special. In his words:

"Sometimes difficult circumstances create opportunity and this is one of those moments. My lifelong dream has been to create a Teaching, Research and Development facility for stringed instruments of all types. I have had a long time option to purchase the property I live and work on. That time has now come, and due to external circumstances, has been accelerated. I have until March to either buy this property or move. For many years my place in Healdsburg has been a nexus of all forms of music. If you have attended one of the Healdsburg Guitar Festival after parties, you know what an incredible place this is and the importance of its musical heritage. I have also taught for here for many years. This place has allowed the students to release themselves completely into the learning process. I have also done the best work of my life here.

I am now hoping to invite the best and brightest, from all disciplines, to teach here. To host seasonal outdoor concerts and house concerts. To continue our commitment to host community events here. And to develop video and teaching tools. Lots of great folks have offered to help and want to see this come to fruition, but I need to raise money quickly. I am encouraging you to order one of final 25 guitars or anything toward this goal. I would also be open to a creative equity sharing partner as the investment in the physical property is a sound one.

The Fretboard Journal offered to help by creating a podcast in which I discuss these issues. In it, I talk about the generation of makers who are soon retiring. This generation has a wealth of information that is simply not available through the internet. This type of knowledge is best learned through personal experience, side by side, with these modern masters of the craft. It is my intention to be sure that this information and knowledge does not retire with these makers and to provide a quality environment to this end. Click here for the podcast.

Please join me in this endeavor!" -- Tom Ribbecke

Contact us if you have any ideas, want to help, or are interested in purchasing a guitar.

There has been some confusion about Tom's Final 25 guitars. Tom has not retired and is still taking orders for his Final 25 guitars. If you are interested in placing an order please contact us.

Tom will be attending the Woodstock Invitational Luthiers Showcase in Woodstock New York this week. If you are in the area, stop by and see some amazing guitars!

Tom was recently interviewed for an article regarding the Lacey Act. Click here to read it.