Top Mapping a Master Built Robert Ruck Classical Guitar with a Magic Probe

In this video, I use the Magic Probe thickness gauge to take detailed measurements to create a top map of a rare beautiful Robert Ruck classical guitar (#69). I walk through exactly how the Magic Probe works, how to calibrate it, and how to use it to map top thickness variations across the entire soundboard — a technique used by experienced luthiers to understand and reproduce great guitars. Whether you're a guitar builder, repairer, or restorer, understanding top thickness graduation is key to building instruments that truly sing. I also demonstrate how the Magic Probe can be used on unknown or vintage instruments in the repair shop to make informed decisions about bracing, cleats, and string tension. In this video: How to set up and calibrate the Magic Probe Measuring back, sides, and top thickness on a Robert Ruck guitar How luthier-built tops differ from factory instruments Top graduation mapping: bridge area, perimeter, upper and lower bout Body depth and scale length measurements Using the Magic Probe for guitar repair and restoration Who should (and shouldn't) buy the Magic Probe Who is Robert Ruck? One of America's most celebrated classical guitar makers, Ruck rose to fame early in his career and built instruments played by world-class concert guitarists until his passing in 2018. 🎸 Whether you're building your first guitar or restoring a vintage instrument, this video will give you a deeper understanding of what separates a great guitar from an average one. LINKS Magic Probe on Stew Mac- https://stewmac.sjv.io/VOY0YO Mag-ic Probe website- https://www.magicprobe.net/ Mechanical pencil (I love these) - https://amzn.to/49bkHCI Small magnets for brace location- https://amzn.to/4unyhv5 Robert Ruck info In Memoriam & and Bio (Guild of American Lutherie)- https://luth.org/2018_0334500-mem-ruck/ Obituary - https://classicguitar.com/robert-ruck... Interview with Ruck- https://www.guitarsint.com/guitar_mak... Industry Leadership Award 2016- https://www.guitarfoundation.org/page... Ruck guitars listed from the Guitar Salon Store- https://www.guitarsalon.com/store/ruck Links for everything Manuel Barrueco https://barrueco.com/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Ji7p... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manuel_... Book about No 58 guitar, Robert Ruck & Manuel Barrueco- https://amzn.to/4uqYqZY    / @manuelbarruecoguitar     / manuelbarrueco   If you enjoyed this video please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE & COMMENT to help me make more content for you. If this video helped you, consider saying thanks with a Super Thanks (just like giving a tip) If you are interested in learning high end repair and restoration lutherie work- I recommend The Looth Group at https://loothgroup.com/ Products Used/Mentioned (in rough order of use) An extensive topic categorized list of lutherie Products I recommend for various aspects of the trade- https://www.amazon.com/shop/beauhanna... Stew Mac: stewmac.sjv.io/GjAMbk ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 0:00 Introduction / measuring the top and braces 4:57 Magic Probe overview (three parts: brains, ball, battery) 6:20 Using a computer as display instead of phone 6:30 Measuring the sides 6:40 Measuring the back 7:06 What 5 thou means in practice (card scraper reference) 7:14 Why luthier-made tops vary in thickness across areas 7:45 How factory instruments differ (uniform thickness) 8:10 Mapping the Robert Ruck guitar top in detail 8:27 Upper bout measurements 8:44 Spruce patch (soundhole) thickness 9:21 Bridge plate 9:46 Measurements toward the perimeter 10:48 Significance of thickness variation 11:19 Thickness near braces 12:25 Body depth measurements 12:47 Scale length (664mm + saddle compensation) 13:11 Background on Robert Ruck 13:38 Robert Ruck's legacy 13:53 Summary: value of detailed measurement mapping 14:15 Caveat: wood density/stiffness still requires experience 14:32 Magic Probe in the repair world 14:49 Measuring an unknown instrument from Colombia/Peru/Spain 15:23 Who should buy the Magic Probe? 15:35 Recommended for repairers and restorers Notes on videos with products review ~ I never positively promote products I don't personally use or recommend. If a product sucks, has a problem, or can be made better i'll let you know. ~ I never get paid for any products I mention (I do use affiliate links though- see below) ~ If I receive a product, it dosn't ensure I will ever post about it anywhere. This video is not sponsored & may contain affiliate links where, at no extra cost to you, I receive a (VERY) small commission. #luthier #guitarmaker #beauhannam ~ Luthier of luxury heirloom quality Guitars and Ukuleles ~ WEBSITE: https://beauhannamguitars.com FACEBOOK   / beauhannamguitarsandukuleles   INSTAGRAM:   / beauhannamguitars   Subscribe    / @beauhannamguitars