Jose Ramirez Estudio Classical 1972 - a beautiful 1 owner 54 year old Madrid made cannon.

This is a very nice & original 1972 Jose Ramirez Estudio Model Classical Guitar made in Madrid, Spain. It’s got a very dark Cedar top w/some pretty Indian Rosewood back & sides. It was purchased by its only owner, a Ms. Cheryl Franks, who played it occasionlly over the last 54 years.  The Ramirez “Estudio” models are great student-grade instruments, authentic Madrid-built instruments at a more affordable price than the concert level guitars. This example is hand-dated to 1972 on the label. It is a played but original example, still residing in the original thin hardshell case. The sound of this old guitar is quite good, and this is still an excellent genuine Spanish instrument for the price. The finish overall has some small dings dents and scuffs, is a good player and still an excellent advanced student or recording studio/practice classical guitar with a superb pedigree.

Over the years Ramirez Estudio guitars were made basing on the original blueprints by makers whose names have never been revealed. Also, many other makers working on 1a models remain anonymous until today. An assignment to make certain models was matter of hierarchy within Ramirez’s network. Less prominent makers were hired to make Estudio models until they qualified to make 1a models, and finally were able to establish their independent careers. Very likely some of these makers are quite famous today.

Just like all other Ramirez guitars I have ever experienced this guitar is a very powerful instrument. It offers deep cello like basses and strong glassy and sweet trebles, all notes with high level of clarity and separation. As it is true for 99% of classical guitars, moderately long sustain is the tradeoff for such super volume. While in 1972 it was sold  as “Estudio” guitar it is sounds better than many “hand made in Spain” “Concierto” models currently sold at very high prices.

She’s excellent overall & crack free & comes in its original hard case.