José Ramirez III – 1967 1A “MT”

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, 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)].

This 1967 José Ramirez guitar is a masterpiece that embodies the pinnacle of José Ramirez III’s workshop. Identified by the “MT” stamp inside the guitar’s heel, this exceptional instrument was crafted by the renowned luthier Mariano Tezanos, who also built Segovia’s Ramirez guitar in 1968, making it one of the most coveted Ramirez guitars. The guitar’s striking dark orange cedar soundboard is paired with a magnificent CITES-certified Brazilian rosewood, which matches the haunting tonal characteristics of the instrument. The lyrical trebles and mysterious basses combine to create a captivating and inspiring sound. The guitar has only two hairline cracks, one on the upper bout treble side and the other on the Brazilian rosewood back. These cracks have been meticulously and professionally restored to ensure the guitar’s stability and playability. These minor imperfections not only do not affect the guitar’s sound quality but also add to the instrument’s unique character and rich history. They are a testament to the guitar’s longevity and the care that has gone into preserving it over the years. The result is a truly remarkable instrument that inspires musicians and collectors alike. Overall, this 1967 José Ramirez guitar by Mariano Tezanos is a true masterpiece and a significant contributor to the development of the classical guitar. It’s a must-have for any serious collector or musician seeking an instrument of exceptional quality and historical significance.

A poem

In the world of guitars, there are few names
As famed as Ramirez, with its storied fame
Built with skill and care since 1882
By a family of luthiers, through and through

From Segovia to Bream, they’ve graced the hands
Of some of the greatest guitarists in the lands
José Ramirez III, a pioneer in his own right
Introduced cedar tops, a groundbreaking sight

This 1967 guitar, a treasure to behold
Crafted by Mariano Tezanos, a master so bold
Stamped with “MT,” it’s a coveted find
A true testament to the Ramirez family’s kind

With a dark orange cedar soundboard so striking
Paired with rosewood from Brazil, a tonal delighting
Lyrical trebles and haunting basses combine
To create a sound that’s truly divine

Though two hairline cracks have made their way
They’ve been meticulously restored to stay
True to the guitar’s exceptional legacy
Adding to its unique character and majesty

A true masterpiece that inspires all
A must-have for collectors and musicians tall
This 1967 José Ramirez guitar, a gift to the world
A symbol of craftsmanship and love so unfurled.

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