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Jose Ramirez III - 1985 - Elite - 66,4cm

Jose Ramirez III - 1985 - Elite - 66,4cm

Details

Luthier:  Jose Ramirez III
Construction Year: 1985
Top: Cedar
Soundboard Finish: Polyurethane
Body Finish: Polyurethane
Air Body Frequency: G # / A
Scale (mm): 664
Weight (g): 1870
Tuner: Rodgers
Strings: Knobloch - EDC 34.0
Condition: Mint
Case: Hardshell

Overview

The 1985 José Ramirez Elite is one of the most prestigious models ever produced by the legendary Madrid workshop, often considered a true collector’s piece. Built with CITES-certified Brazilian rosewood for the back and sides, it features tonewood of extraordinary rarity, complemented by Rodgers tuning machines renowned for their precision and elegance. Tonally, it delivers the hallmarks of Ramirez guitars: silky, romantic trebles with expressive flexibility and deep, resonant basses of great character. With impressive volume and projection, it stands as a concert-grade instrument of the highest order. Despite its age, this guitar remains in near-mint condition, showing only minimal signs of play.
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More details about the guitar

About the luthier

The Ramirez family has been building fine and high-quality guitars since 1882 already. Their instruments have been and are played by some of the greatest guitarists in the world, such as Julian Bream, Andres Segovia, Laurindo Almeida, Oscar Ghiglia, José Luis Gonzales, and many others. Ramirez is an integral part of the history of guitar building. José Ramirez I (1858-1923) trained many guitar builders in his workshop at the end of the nineteenth and beginning of the twentieth century. And José Ramirez III (1922-1995) pioneered using cedarwood as top wood for guitars and built several guitars for Andres Segovia. José Ramirez III (1922-1995) pioneered cedar tops for guitars. His instruments gained international fame in the 1960s through Andrés Segovia and his many students. In 1965, José Ramirez III began developing a new instrument built with a top made of Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) and double sides (rosewood and cypress). This revolutionary new way of building guitars and using this innovative type of wood spread very quickly in the guitar world. In addition, Andrés Segovia played several J. Ramirez III was his main concert instrument. He played four instruments over an extended period [1962 (but dated 1963), Spruce, 1965, 1967, 1969 (all three cedar).

About the guitar

This exceptional 1985 José Ramirez guitar, model Elite, is widely regarded as one of the “holy grails” among Ramirez instruments. As the name suggests, it represents one of the highest-tier models ever produced by the legendary Madrid workshop. The CITES-certified Brazilian rosewood back and sides are truly to die for—this kind of wood is extremely rare nowadays, if not impossible to find. The guitar is also fitted with Rodgers tuning machines, which are widely considered the best in the business in terms of both functionality and craftsmanship. The guitar embodies the distinctive tonal characteristics for which Ramirez is celebrated: romantic, silky-smooth trebles that invite expressive portamento, and deep, mysterious basses that provide a rich foundation. Its impressive volume makes it a powerful concert instrument, suitable for any performance setting.

Condition

Although a pre-loved instrument, it is in near-mint condition, with no structural issues and only the faintest signs of playing wear.

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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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