Jose Ramirez III - 1986 1a
Jose Ramirez III - 1986 1a
Details
Details
Overview
Overview
Shipping important note
Shipping important note
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Details about GPSR
Details about GPSR
Video overview
More details about the guitar
About the luthier
José Ramírez III was one of the defining figures of twentieth century classical guitar making. Born in 1922, he assumed leadership of the historic Ramírez workshop in Madrid in 1957, guiding it through a period of unprecedented international influence. Under his direction the Ramírez guitar became a global reference for concert instruments, shaping both the sound and physical concept of the modern classical guitar for several decades. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Beyond his own instruments, José Ramírez III played a decisive role as a teacher and mentor. His workshop trained an exceptional number of highly influential luthiers who later established their own successful careers, making the Ramírez atelier one of the most important centres of guitar making in history. His willingness to experiment — most notably with cedar soundboards, extended string lengths, and structural innovations — left a lasting imprint on concert guitar development. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
About the guitar
This José Ramírez III classical guitar from 1986 represents a mature example of the traditional 1A model as produced during the later decades of the workshop’s most influential period. Built with a cedar soundboard and Indian rosewood back and sides, the instrument reflects the characteristic Ramírez aesthetic and construction philosophy of the time. The polyurethane finish, typical for this era, provides durability while supporting a stable and direct tonal response.
A distinctive feature of this model is its so-called “double back” construction, consisting of two layers of wood in the back plate. This approach was used historically in some high-end Ramírez instruments of the period and can influence the body’s resonant behaviour by modifying internal damping and stiffness, contributing to the guitar’s overall tonal balance.
Tonally, the instrument offers a clearly Spanish sound character with a strong and well-defined fundamental. The trebles are bell-like and articulate, standing out for their clarity and singing quality, while the basses provide a firm and supportive foundation without becoming diffuse. One of the defining qualities of this guitar is its excellent separation of voices; each note maintains its own presence, allowing polyphonic textures to unfold with precision and coherence. The overall response is confident and stable, making the instrument particularly suitable for repertoire that demands clarity, projection, and a distinctly traditional concert voice.
Condition
The guitar is in excellent condition. There are no cracks, damages, or structural issues, and no visible marks or wear worth noting.
Regular care extends the life of the instrument
Even with careful use, a classical guitar may gradually change in appearance or respond to unstable storage conditions. Have a close look at your guitar regularly and be attentif to changes. If your instrument is suffering from its environement, it will let you know.
Protect Your Guitar: Handle with Care
Be mindful when touching your instrument with greasy or unwashed hands: any skin contact is a small attack on the varnish. Of course, a guitar is made to be played, but taking a few precautions helps preserve its beauty: wash your hands before playing, wear long sleeves, and avoid unnecessary direct skin contact with the body of the instrument.
Pro tip: Avoid playing with a button-up shirt, heavy jewelry, or a belt, as these can scratch the guitar. Also, make sure your guitar case is free of any objects that could damage the instrument during storage.
String care
A good habit to adopt is wiping down your strings briefly after each playing session. This small action significantly extends their lifespan and helps maintain a consistent, comfortable feel under your fingers.
Most importantly, clean strings are essential for keeping your instrument in tune. Corrosion, sweat, and dust can affect the uniformity of the strings and interfere with accurate tuning across the entire fingerboard.
Pro tip: If you're having trouble getting your guitar in tune, it might be time to change the strings. A useful test is to compare the pitch of the 12th fret harmonic with the fretted note at the 12th fret; if there's an unusually large gap between them, your strings may have lost their integrity and should be replaced.
Keep Your Shellac Finish Shining!
Got a guitar with a shellac (French polish) finish? Here's a simple trick: Take a clean microfiber cloth and gently breathe on the surface to create a light mist. Then, softly rub to remove fingerprints, sweat, and grease. That’s usually all it takes to keep it looking great, no products needed!
Pro tip: Every few years, treat your guitar to a check-up with a luthier to keep it in top shape.
Storing Your Guitar: Climate Matters
Your guitar can safely stay outside its case, as long as the surrounding environment maintains 42–55% humidity and a temperature between 18–25°C.
Keep in mind that humidity levels can still fluctuate inside the case, especially during seasonal changes.
- Too much humidity may cause overtightened strings and a dull tone.
- Too little humidity can lead to a bulging top, string buzz, or even cracks.
Avoid placing your guitar near radiators, air conditioners, or windows with direct sunlight.
Pro tip: Always close your guitar case while playing. This helps preserve a stable microclimate inside the case, so your instrument is protected the moment you put it back in.