José Ramirez – 2014 1a „Tradicional“

Description

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, Jose Luis Gonzales, and many others. Ramirez is an important part of the history of guitar building. Jose Ramirez I (1858-1923) trained a large number of guitar builders in his workshop at the end of the nineteenth and beginning of the twentieth century. And José Ramirez III (1922-1995) was a pioneer in the use of cedarwood as top wood for guitars and built several guitars for Andres Segovia.

The 2014 José Ramirez “Tradicional” 1A model is an exquisite embodiment of the illustrious legacy of the Ramirez Dynasty. Constructed in the heart of Madrid at the Ramirez’s historic workshop, this beautiful instrument is a result of the stewardship of Amalia Ramirez, a fifth-generation descendant of the Ramirez line.

The guitar showcases a delicate marriage between the sweet, resonant tones of the cedar soundboard and the crisp, sturdy features of Indian rosewood used for the back and sides. This time-honored blend results in an audial output that is warm, robust, and rich in tonality, creating a truly immersive and mesmerizing acoustic experience.

One of the most appealing aspects of this model is its 65 cm scale length. This makes it a more comfortable and accessible instrument for a wide range of players, compared to the 66.4 cm scale models of the 1960s and 70s. This adjustment doesn’t compromise on the genuine Spanish tone that Ramirez guitars are renowned for; instead, it amplifies it in a more user-friendly format.

In terms of condition, this 2014 José Ramirez “Tradicional” model holds up impressively well, considering its rich history. It bears the signs of being a well-played instrument, with several visible playing marks and a noticeable dent at the bottom. These wear marks, however, do not detract from the guitar’s charm but instead testify to its vibrant life and extensive use.

Most importantly, despite the evidence of its active service, this guitar stands strong structurally. Thanks to the lacquer finish on this guitar. There are no cracks or structural issues to be concerned about.

The guitar’s playability is exceptional, with a setup optimized for easy handling and maximum tonal expression, making it an instrument that truly stands out, not just as a piece of music history, but as a functional work of art.

Watch the presentation video of this particular guitar below, where you will find a lot of additional information about its playability and sound.