Flamenco guitar Viuda de Manuel Ramírez 1916-1920

This flamenco guitar was built in the workshop of the legendary master luthier Manuel Ramírez. Manuel Ramírez learned the profession of luthier from his elder brother, José Ramírez I. Around 1891, aged 27, de decided to set his own business. At first, he had in mind to settle in Paris, and after he told José, the latter helped the former to make his project come true. For an unknown reason, Manuel changed his mind and turned out settling in 24 Cava Baja Street, Madrid. This move started an argument between brothers which would never be solved. After some time in Cava Baja St, Manuel moved to 5 Santa Ana Square, and he would further move to 10 Arlaban St, where he would finally remain. He attained great prestige quite soon, not only as a guitar maker, but also making violins, and some other stringed instruments. He was designated luthier of the Madrid´s Royal Conservatory. Also, he continued the school of luthiers started by his brother, being in charge of the teaching of some of the most important luthiers ever, such as Santos Hernández, Domingo Esteso or Modesto Borreguero.

This flamenco guitar was made in a time when some of the best luthiers in history were in that workshop. In fact, we have a good reaason to doubt about whether Domingo Esteso was the actual maker of this guitar, even though there are certain details which fit Santos Hernández´s style. This guitar has this magical timbre one can find in guitars made by Vicente Arias or D. Antonio de Torres: a sweet timbre, with a by-far-unbeatable scope, and with a volume which is fairly difficult to assimilate, defying all human logic, particularly taking the size of this instrument into account.

This guitar model in particular is, in our view, clearly underrated in today´s market, in we bear in mind its high category and level. Therefore, we can say this is a unique opportunity to acquire a top-notch instrument for a more than affordable price.

The condition of this guitar is really good, if we consider the date of its making. It has undergone a general restoration, although its condition is optimal to be used.