Ramirez Flamenco Blanca Spruce Cypress 1928

José Ramírez is a name inextricably linked to the classical guitar, and an instrument from 1928 from his workshop in Madrid is a rare find that makes many an enthusiast's heart beat faster. As early as the nineteenth century, José Ramírez I laid the foundation for what would grow into one of the most renowned guitar makers in the world, a reputation that has been kept alive for generations by his descendants. A Ramírez from the 1920s is therefore not just any instrument; it is a true piece of guitar history!

This guitar was built by José Ramírez II as a flamenco blanca, a type that distinguishes itself from its classical counterpart by the use of cypress for the body. Cypress gives the typical flamenco sound its characteristic dry, percussive attack, sharp and direct in character. On top of that, this Ramírez features an exceptionally thin spruce top that responds almost like a drumhead, supported by equally thin fan bracing. The result is an instrument with a fast, direct response in which every note resonates immediately. The mother-of-pearl golpeador on the top is a beautiful reminder of the flamenco tradition of the rasgueado and the golpear.

After nearly a hundred years, this Ramírez has understandably seen its fair share of wear. The soundbox has several repaired cracks, with cleats glued into the inside of the back for reinforcement. The bass side of the lower bout has undergone a major repair. The fingerboard shows wear in several places due to years of playing and has a small crack on the 13th fret. A refret has ensured that the guitar plays well again, and the bridge saddle and friction tuning machines have also been replaced. These are interventions to be expected on an instrument of this age that improve playability.

Anyone playing a Ramírez flamenco from 1928 experiences a guitar that has long since learned to speak. The sound is warm yet direct, with the quick response that flamenco players desire and that modern instruments rarely manage to match so convincingly. The thin top and light bracing create a liveliness that makes the guitar almost breathe under the fingers!

Consignment.