Jose Ramirez III　［ホセ・ラミレス 3世］ 1a　 A926

Product Description

Neck:Cedro
Fingerboard:Ebony
Finish(Top):Polyurethan
Finish(Back & Sides):Polyurethan
Tuning Machines:FUSTERO
String Height(1st):2.2mm
String Height(6th):3.0mm

[Luthier]

José Ramírez III was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1933. At the age of three, he returned to Madrid with his father, José Ramírez II, and at the age of 18 he entered the family workshop, where he began assisting his father. He took over the workshop in 1957, and in the 1960s he became the first to introduce Western Red Cedar for guitar soundboards, establishing the tonal foundation of the modern Ramírez sound.

José Ramírez III was one of the greatest masters of 20th-century Spanish guitar making, preserving the traditions of Spanish lutherie while introducing a succession of innovative approaches to acoustic design. From 1957 until his retirement in 2011, his workshop stood at the pinnacle of Spanish guitar making and earned the admiration of classical guitarists around the world. His innovations included the introduction of Western Red Cedar soundboards, pioneering use of lacquer finishes, and the development of new models, among many other advances in guitar construction. His influence continues to be reflected in the Ramírez workshop today.

[Instrument]

This is a 1a A926 (Model 1a), made in 1987, with a 650 mm scale length.

The instrument is characterized by a sweet and richly resonant tonal quality, combined with an almost overwhelming level of power and an exceptionally beautiful voice. Its sweetness becomes particularly pronounced when vibrato is applied. The substantial, full-bodied sound retains its strength and presence even during fast passages, producing music with remarkable impact.

The volume is exceptionally rich, the response is excellent, and the sustain is also very good, resulting in a highly balanced overall sound. Made in 1987, when Ramírez III was 54 years old and the modern Ramírez acoustic design was reaching a mature stage, this is an outstanding example of his work and a beautiful expression of the tonal aesthetic associated with Western Red Cedar soundboards and lacquer finishes.

The guitar has a polyurethane finish and is fitted with Fustero tuning machines. The neck has a standard thickness and is straight, while the frets remain in good condition. The action is set relatively low at 2.2 mm on the first string and 3.0 mm on the sixth string. The string tension is soft, with a wide range of response to the player's touch, making the instrument exceptionally comfortable and easy to play.

Approximately 37 years have passed since the guitar was made. Overall, it is in average used condition, with several signs of use. There are numerous surface scratches across the back, apparently caused by contact with clothing, as well as several extremely fine scratches on the treble side of the soundboard. The finish remains in good condition, and the neck is also in good condition.

Regarding its repair history, there is a repaired crack beneath the bridge area of the soundboard. The repair appears to have been properly carried out and does not affect the instrument's current playability. Rather, the present condition reflects a guitar that has been genuinely played and used over many years, and suggests an instrument that has developed a mature, fully opened-up voice through extensive playing.

A hard case is included.