This Jose Ramirez I (1907) is an extraordinary piece of guitar history with an incredibly sweet and fascinating sound.
Built in the prestigious workshop of Jose Ramirez I, this instrument reflects the mastery of a luthier who has been shaping the world of guitar making for 25 years. His workshop was founded in 1882 and developed into one of the most important addresses in Spanish guitar making. Jose Ramirez I is considered the founder of the Madrid guitar-making tradition. At a time when guitarists were looking for solutions to the often weak projection of the instruments of the time, it was Jose Ramirez who found a pioneering answer with the so-called tablao guitar. The inner construction of this guitar was strongly based on the principles of Antonio de Torres, which gave it exceptional tonal qualities.
This particular guitar was built for a classical guitarist and has a slightly higher bridge position than other Ramirez guitars of this era. Its dimensions correspond exactly to those of the classic Torres guitars, with a nut width of 51 mm and a scale length of 650 mm. The combination of a spruce top and cypress for the back and sides gives it a very special tonal note.
The sound is elegant, warm and beguilingly sweet. It has all the characteristics of a high-quality handcrafted guitar of the late 19th century, with a resonant, open tone that unfolds across the top, back and sides. The basses are deep and full-bodied, while the higher registers are finely nuanced and sensual. This guitar has an amazing ability to sing with grace and expressiveness, making it versatile for a wide variety of musical styles.
It is a lively, inspiring instrument that offers an exceptionally enjoyable playing experience - a guitar that is hard to put down.
The guitar is in remarkably good condition for its age. The neck is straight, the action is low and it is effortless to play - an instrument that inspires and delights in equal measure.
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