Ramirez 1a Tradicional Classic Guitar 650 mm Scale (2005)

• Western red cedar top
• Indian rosewood back
• Double Indian rosewood & cypress sides
• Ebony fingerboard
• Schaller Grand Tune Machineheads
• Crossrock fibreglass case

This is a beautiful sounding concert level guitar from Ramirez. Wonderful treble projection and string balance makes it particularly suitable for Spanish repertoire. The Tradicional model uses a second cypress layer inside the outer Indian rosewood. A new 1a Tradicional would be in the region of £8500.

The guitar has a standard scale length of 650 mm rather than the typical Ramirez 664 mm which many find a little hard to play. The guitar has been set up to play wonderfully with neck relief of 0.25 mm and 12th-fret string action of 3.7 mm (6th) and 2.7 mm (1st). Intonation is close to perfect when fitted with a fluorocarbon 3rd string.

The guitar is in very good condition but has been played over the last 25 years. There are a number of nail marks and scratches on the soundboard that have not gone through the finish (see detail photos which exaggerate these). There were two string gouges: one behind the bridge and another on the upper bout to the left of the fingerboard. These have been filled and levelled. Some chipping of the finish along the lower bout binding has also been repaired, becoming nearly invisible. The ding in the rib has also been filled and levelled.

The instrument's original Fustero tuners have been replaced as they had a considerable amount of backlash and creaking. Premium ruthenium plated Schaller Grand Tune machineheads with roller bearings have been swapped in and are a huge improvement.

A fitted Crossrock fibreglass case is included, complete with shoulder straps.

This is an opportunity to own a classic Ramirez 1a for less than half the price of a new one, fully played in and setup to perfection.

I have made a small number of mainly classical guitars since graduating from the Newark School of Instrument Crafts in 2023 with a first-class honours degree, and was lucky enough to win a prize for outstanding student that year.

Due to the delicate nature and value of this instrument, local pickup is the preferred option. That way you can also try the guitar. Alternatively, I can hand deliver if not too far away.