Description
Superlative instrument on offer here - one owner since new - an all original 1967 Jose Ramirez Guitar, serial 2031.
There are few names more lauded in the centuries of classical luthierie than Ramirez. José Ramirez III (1922-1995) gained international fame in the 1960s through the hands of Andrés Segovia, and in turn Segovia's students. In 1965, José Ramirez III began developing a new instrument built with a top made of Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) and double sides (rosewood and cypress), his own revolutionary way of building guitars with an innovative approach to wood selection. The techniques spread very quickly in the guitar world.
This one was freighted from the master himself directly to Springvale in May of 1967, and there it remained with its original owner until it was brought to us. In striking condition for an instrument of its age. Though the very concert classical playing action may not be to the taste of the modern charvel shredder, sonically it's a pianistic beauty that is worthy of all the gravitas carried by the name.
Beautiful Brazilian rosewood back and sides, red cedar soundboard, ebony fingerboard, stamped in the neck heel with "A.M." - initials for Antonio Martínez Ortega, one of a small team building in the master's workshop at the time, and one who directly produced several of Segovia's instruments.
Action sitting at 2.5mm bass / 1mm treble at the first fret, 5mm / 3mm at the 12th fret. Original hard case included, as well as original bridge shim(s) for adjustment, along with some amusing telegraph correspondence from Jose Ramirez III himself discouraging low playing action. You'll have to buy it to read it, though.