Guitar Manuel Ramírez 1915

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.

Having this guitar on Solera Flamenca represents such a privilege to us. In our hands, we have a guitar made by Manuel Ramírez´s hands, no less. He is a genius of geniuses among Spanish guitar makers of all times. Although we might state Don Antonio de Torres is the father and the best representative of the Spanish guitar, Manuel Ramírez would be his legitimate heir, to say the least. In his mind, there was always a remnant of respect, but also ambition to surpass Torres, which, in addition to his huge talent, allowed him to reach the utmost excellence as a maker, which is clearly reflected on his fine instruments.

This guitar is made with woods and finishes of fantastic quality (German spruce and birdseye maple), really difficult to find at present, despite the wide variety of tools available. Some little things found in the binding details, or bone inlays on the bridge, answer to no logic whatsoever. In this special model, Antonio de Torres´s making system, as we find the same bracing as in La Invencible, adding some sounding board, thus attaining a sound with scope and resonance never seen before. The sound quality? To put it shortly: It beats everything one might expect.

The original pegboxes were replaced at the beginning of the century, and then again replaced by some other low-cost ones. Along with the images, but separately, you will be able to find these pegboxes, which will be also delivered upon the purchase.

The guitar was restored in 2010 by David Macias, who only withdrew the bottom to fix a crack on the top (the only one on the whole guitar!) keeping all the original elements, including the binding details on the sides and edges. Despite its difficulty. Find attached some picture of the restoration, taken by the craftsman himself during the process.