Walter Verreydt – 2022 “Manuel Ramirez 1915”

Description

Walter Verreydt built his first guitars in 1985. He was primarily a woodworking teacher, and his love for music led him to make his first guitar and become a luthier. Since 1988 Walter teaches classical guitar making at the “Centrum voor Muziekinstrumentenbouw” in Puurs (Belgium). He studied many guitars of famous luthiers like Ignacio Fleta, Robert Bouchet, Hernandez y Aguado, and many more. His excellent relationships with Daniel Friederich and José Romanillos helped him in the development of his own ideas. His guitars are handmade in the Spanish tradition, and every instrument is the product of his personal growth and ongoing studies.

It is a great pleasure and a special honour to receive such a unique guitar from Walter. This exact copy of a Manuel Ramirez from 1915 is simply fabulous. Featuring an elegant straight-grained Rio rosewood (CITES certified) and an extremely resonant spruce top, it is a real gem. When we were first allowed to play this historic copy at Walter’s house, we were immediately smitten by it and it was clear that this guitar had to be added to our collection. Generously, Walter agreed to let us take it with us to Karlsruhe, and here it is, proudly representing both the Madrilenian and Belgian schools of guitar making.

With its enormous response and impressive immediacy, the very first notes of this extremely successful guitar took the player and listener right back to the beginnings of the XXth century. Such a rounded sound is not often heard in this way, and its balance combined with its Iberian charm takes the guitarist on a journey through time. Projection, purity and refinement, this remarkable guitar offers it all and brings great satisfaction during playing.