José Ramirez - 1973 1A

José Ramirez - 1973 1A

Overview

The Ramirez family has been building fine, high-quality guitars since 1882. Their instruments have been and are still played by some of the world's greatest guitarists, such as Julian Bream, Andres Segovia, Laurindo Almeida, Oscar Ghiglia, Jose Luis Gonzales, and many others. Thus, the Ramirez dynasty, now spanning five generations, is an essential element in the history of classical guitar making. It began with Jose Ramirez I (1858-1923), who trained many guitar makers in his workshop in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Among these illustrious luthiers are Enrique Garcia, Julian Gomez Ramirez, Antonio Viudes and many others. They were followed by José Ramirez II (1885-1957), José Ramirez III (1922-1995), José Ramirez IV (1953 - 2000) and Amalia Ramirez (1955 - present).

José Ramirez III (1922-1995) was a pioneer of cedar tops for guitars. His instruments gained international fame in the 1960s through Andrés Segovia and his many students. Starting in 1965, José Ramirez III began developing a new instrument built with a top made of Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) and featuring double sides (rosewood and cypress). This revolutionary new way of building guitars and the use of this innovative type of wood spread very quickly in the guitar world. In addition, Andrés Segovia played several J. Ramirez III as his main concert instrument. He played four instruments over an extended period of time [1962 (but dated 1963), Spruce, 1965, 1967, 1969 (all three cedar)].

This excellent 1973 José Ramirez III has a beautiful, Cites-certified Brazilian rosewood back and sides and a very responsive cedar top. It was built by experienced luthier and Ramirez workshop employee Manuel Cáceres Pizarro, of whom this guitar bears stamp number 8 inside the top. Due to the wonderful patina, craquelé varnish on the top, and beautiful Fustero tuners, this 1973 José Ramirez III has a wonderful vintage look. It has only one repaired crack on the top and a dent covered with a piece of cedar also on the top. The previous and only owner also had some orientation dots added to the side of the fingerboard. Tonally, this guitar is as close to a grand piano as a guitar can get. It produces almost endless seaming, dense and overtone-rich sounds with fantastic presence and stunning projection. This guitar is a jewel from one of the most respected guitar-making dynasties in the history of our instrument.

 

Luthier: José Ramirez
Construction year: 1973
Top: Cedar
Body and sides: Brazilian rosewood (CITES-certified)
Scale: 666 mm
Nut: 53 mm
Weight: 1774 grams
Air resonance frequency: A
Tuners: Fustero
Strings: Knobloch 400ADC
Case: Hiscox
Condition: Very good

 

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José Ramirez 1A 1973 - Purple Ash by Cim Frode & Prelude 3 Villa-Lobos

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  • Classical Guitar

    The classical guitar, with its soft nylon strings and characteristic timbre, has become a symbol of chamber music, Spanish tradition, and concert repertoire. Its modern form was shaped by Antonio de Torres in the 19th century, setting the standard for the body, fan bracing, and the 65-centimeter scale length that are still used today. Instruments in this category open up a rich palette from the refined Romantic miniatures of Tárrega to the majestic concertos of Rodrigo. Here you will find guitars that preserve historical continuity and at the same time inspire new interpretations.
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    Construction Year: 2025
    Construction Type: Double Top
    Top: Cedar
    Back and Sides: Indian rosewood
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    Air Body Frequency: F / F sharp
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    Back and Sides: Indian rosewood
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
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    Air Body Frequency: G / G sharp
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  • Luthier: Elvis Pajares
    Construction Year: 2025
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Flamed Maple
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: F / F sharp
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    Construction Type: Traditional
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    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Indian rosewood
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    Air Body Frequency: F sharp / G
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    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Cedar
    Back and Sides: Indian rosewood
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: G / G sharp
    Weight (g): 1590
    Tuner: Sloane
    Condition: Excellent
  • Luthier: Hermann Hauser II
    Construction Year: 1956
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Brazilian rosewood (CITES certified)
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: F sharp / G
    Weight (g): 1440
    Tuner: Landstorfer
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  • Luthier: Fritz Ober
    Construction Year: 2019
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Brazilian rosewood (CITES certified)
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
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    Air Body Frequency: C sharp / D
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    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Brazilian rosewood (CITES certified)
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: F sharp / G
    Weight (g): 1495
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    Construction Year: 1982
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Brazilian rosewood (Pre-CITES)
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    Air Body Frequency: G / G sharp
    Weight (g): 1655
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