José Ramírez I 1894

Guitars by José Ramírez I are rare; a few can be found in the inventories of major collections and leading museums. To the best of our knowledge, the most extensive collection is, fortunately, the Ramírez Collection in Madrid, which includes three examples from 1895, 1902, and 1913. The 1895 guitar is, more or less, identical to our “Sevillana.”

This instrument, which retains its original label, features understated decoration; the back and sides are made of cypress, the top is spruce, and the bridge, fingerboard, and headstock veneer are Brazelean rosewood.

While many guitars from this period have been modified, the peghead is original. It comes in its custom-shaped wooden case—a rare and expensive option, certainly reserved for the finest guitars.

The beautiful restoration has removed all old repairs and traces of glue, and reinforced existing cracks so that they strengthen the vibrating parts without affecting the guitar’s sound. All components have also been re-glued using hot glue—the same type used when the instrument was originally built—which also allows for reversibility.

This is a true musician’s guitar. It features a comfortable neck and a very light, thin body; even after all these years, the sound is excellent, with deep bass response, trebles that stand out for their presence, and impressive liveliness and musicality.

In summary, this is a unique guitar in perfect playing condition, suitable for both amateur musicians and collectors. It is undoubtedly one of the oldest José Ramirez I guitars in existence today, a moving testament to the work of this great luthier in his historic workshop at 2 Concepción Jerónima, which would later go on to host the entire Ramirez dynasty.

Scale length :653 mm

Top :Spruce

Back & side :Cypress

Fingerboard :48 mm

Body length :480 mm

Body width :280/245/380 mm

Body depth :80/83 mm

Weight :999 g

Action :2,8 / 3,6 mm