2001 Tom Ribbecke Testadura Goldtop - Masterbuilt w Brazilian Rosewood Center Block & Sides

Kansas City Vintage Guitars

Description

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2001 Tom Ribbecke Testadura Goldtop - Masterbuilt w Brazilian Rosewood Center Block & Sides

2001 Tom Ribbecke Testadura Goldtop - Masterbuilt w Brazilian Rosewood Center Block & Sides!

Here is a really special, master-built Tom Ribbecke Testadura Goldtop from 2001. This is not a team-built guitar — Tom built this one himself from start to finish, and it absolutely shows in every detail. The center block is removable so it's essentially two guitars in one!

This one is a rare Goldtop Testadura featuring a removable Brazilian Rosewood center block, along with Brazilian Rosewood sides, a spruce top, and a highly figured flamed maple back. The craftsmanship here is on another level, with multi-ply binding throughout, an ebony fingerboard with abalone dot inlays, and matching ebony pickguard and pickup rings.

It’s loaded with a set of Tom Holmes humbuckers, which pair incredibly well with the acoustic nature of the build. This is very much in that ultimate ES-335-style territory, but with a more refined, jazz-focused voice. It sustains extremely well even unplugged, with rich overtones and a very lively, responsive feel. This is one of those guitars that truly does everything well.

The guitar is in very good condition. As is common with Goldtops, there is some finish checking along with a bit of finish shrinkage around some of the binding, but nothing out of the ordinary. There is very little wear overall, and the frets show little to no wear.

It comes complete with the original faux alligator skin hardshell case.

The Details

Condition: Very Good

Originality: All original

Finish: Goldtop

Notes: Master-built by Tom Ribbecke; Brazilian Rosewood removable center block; high-end custom construction

Playability & Sound

This one plays beautifully and sounds exceptional. It has a very open, resonant acoustic character, with outstanding sustain and rich harmonic overtones. The Tom Holmes pickups deliver a warm, articulate tone that leans slightly toward the jazz side, but this guitar is incredibly versatile.

Specifications

Builder: Tom Ribbecke

Model: Testadura

Year: 2001

Top: Spruce

Back: Highly Figured Flamed Maple

Sides: Brazilian Rosewood

Center Block: Removable Brazilian Rosewood

Neck: Mahogany

Fingerboard: Ebony with Abalone Dot Inlays

Pickups: Tom Holmes Humbuckers

Tuners: Sperzel

Pickguard: Ebony (with Ebony Pickup Rings)

Nut Width: 1.80"

Neck Depth (1st Fret): 0.83"

Neck Depth (12th Fret): 0.88"

Weight: 8.0 lbs

Case: Original Faux Alligator Hardshell Case

Why Buy From Kansas City Vintage Guitars?

We specialize in high-quality vintage and modern guitars for collectors and serious players alike. With over 25 years in the guitar business, we focus on accurate descriptions, originality, and transparency.