Jose Ramirez

The Ramírez family represents one of the most influential dynasties in the history of classical and flamenco guitar making. Beginning with Manuel Ramírez in the late 19th century, followed by José Ramírez II and the groundbreaking innovations of José Ramírez III, the workshop shaped the sound, construction, and global reputation of the Spanish guitar. Their instruments remain benchmarks of craftsmanship, tradition, and concert-level quality.

Frequently Asked Questions About Classical Guitars

How do I choose the right classical guitar for my level?

Choosing the right classical guitar depends on your playing level, musical goals, and budget. Beginners benefit from studio-model guitars from renowned workshops, while advanced players and professionals often choose a handmade master guitar. We are happy to advise you personally and can send detailed sound samples and videos on request.

What is the difference between a master guitar and a studio guitar?

Master guitars are built entirely by hand in the workshop of a single luthier, using only high-quality, well-aged tonewoods. Studio guitars are made in small series, often under the supervision of the master luthier, and offer excellent value for students and ambitious amateur players.

Can I try a classical guitar at home for 14 days?

Yes — every guitar you purchase from us comes with a 14-day home approval period. This complimentary trial applies worldwide to all orders, whether you are in Germany, Europe, the USA, Asia or anywhere else. We ship your instrument fully insured in a high-quality case so you can play it under your own acoustic conditions. If the guitar is not the right one for you, simply send it back and receive a full refund of the purchase price.

Can I try a classical guitar before purchasing?

Absolutely. You are warmly invited to visit our showroom in Karlsruhe, Germany, and test the instruments at your leisure. We are happy to schedule a personal appointment. If a visit is not possible, we send detailed videos and sound samples, and offer extensive consultation by phone or video call.

What payment methods and financing options do you offer?

We accept bank transfer, PayPal, major credit cards, and Klarna. For high-value instruments, we offer individual installment plans on request. Please contact us directly — we will find a suitable solution for every budget.

How do I properly care for my classical guitar?

A classical guitar requires constant humidity between 45 and 55 percent. Store the instrument in its case with a humidifier, avoid direct sunlight and large temperature fluctuations. Change the strings regularly and clean the guitar with a soft microfiber cloth.

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The Ramírez Family – A Lifelong Dedication to Classical and Flamenco Guitar

Manuel Ramírez de Galarreta y Planell was born in 1864 in Alhama de Aragón. Although his family lived mainly in Madrid, his father’s profession temporarily brought them there. Manuel learned guitar making from his older brother José Ramírez I. At age 27, around 1891, he decided to strike out on his own. Initially planning to move to Paris, he changed course and eventually opened a workshop at Calle Cava Baja 24 in Madrid, which created a permanent rift between the brothers.

He later moved his shop to Plaza de Santa Ana No. 5 and then to Calle Arlabán No. 10, where he established a lasting workshop. His reputation grew quickly, and he became known not only for guitars but also for violins and other stringed instruments. He continued the school founded by his brother, training students such as Santos Hernández, Domingo Esteso, and Modesto Borreguero, who themselves became masters.

Manuel refined the “Guitarra de Tablao” developed by his brother and created a flamenco model that remains influential today. A famous episode from 1912 recounts how he gifted a guitar to a young, eccentric-looking guitarist who had come to rent one. This guitarist later took the instrument on a world tour; the very same guitar can now be found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

José Ramírez II (1885–1957)

José Simón Ramírez grew up in his father’s workshop, learning both guitar making and performance. At age 20, he was hired for a two-year concert tour of South America that ultimately lasted nearly 20 years. Returning to Madrid in 1923, he took over the family workshop in Calle Concepción Jerónima No. 2. He worked with notable artisans such as Alfonso Benito, Antonio Gómez, and apprentices like Marcelo Barbero. He received the Gold Medal at the 1923 Ibero-American Exhibition in Seville.

The Spanish Civil War later created severe shortages of instrument-grade wood, which fueled disagreements with his son, José Ramírez III, who had begun independent research.

José Ramírez III (1922–1995)

José Ramírez Martínez began working in the family workshop at 18. He quickly rose through the ranks and devoted himself to acoustic research, materials science, and structural experimentation. Despite wartime limitations, he produced groundbreaking innovations, including the adoption of Western red cedar tops in 1965—a practice that eventually became standard worldwide.

He also developed more durable varnishes and established the 664 mm scale length. Later, due to demand for shorter scales, he introduced the 650 mm C86 model, which was later refined by his son. In 1983, he created the chamber guitar to reduce wolf tones, making it ideal for studio environments.

Among his many contributions was the design of the 10-string guitar in the early 1960s, expanding the instrument’s expressive and harmonic possibilities.

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