Jose Ramirez I Classical Guitar (1899), made in Madrid Madrid, French polish over varnish finish, Brazillian rosewood back and sides, spruce top, black tolex hard shell case.
Here is an extremely historically interesting guitar, built in Madrid in the shop of the founder of Spain's greatest guitar dynasty. In the late 19th Century Jose Ramirez I crafted guitars in a traditional Spanish pattern handed down from his mentor Francisco Gonzalez, and did not follow the more modern Torres-inspired ideas. As a result, his guitars now seem somewhat outside the main evolutionary line of the modern classical tradition.
This is a relatively elaborate instrument made of better grade woods, but not the largest or fanciest Ramirez style. The design has many Gonzalez-influenced features, including the point on the peghead, slightly domed soundboard, and large rosette. The rounded-end bridge with pearl inlay and a bone cap is typically Ramirez, as is the small Spanish slipper heel. All bindings are wood, with one set of pearl squares in the rosette. The solid peghead is faced with Brazilian rosewood and carries original pearl-inlaid violin style pegs. The label is hand dated 1899 and also bears an inscription ending in 1913 which appears to be a repair notation. There is also a label from "E. Goubert, Paris" which is either a seller's mark or repair notice.
While this instrument would have likely been used for vernacular Spanish music instead of a concert repertoire, it is not properly a classical of Flamenco guitar in the modern sense either; rather, it is an evolved version of the common ancestor to both. Ramirez's shop catered to all guitarists, and the lines dividing the styles of instrument were not as well-drawn at the turn of the last century. While his estranged brother Manuel went on to create increasingly modern guitars in a more Torres-influenced style, Jose I continued to build these older pattern instruments for a bustling clientele in Madrid well into the 20th century.
Taken on its own merits, although a small bodied instrument, this is also a wonderful playing guitar, with a surprisingly deep, supple, and extremely responsive sound with a true Spanish character.
Overall length is 36 in. (91.4 cm.), 13 in. (33 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 in. (7.6 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 1/2 in. (622 mm.). Width of nut is 1 7/8 in. (48 mm.).
This guitar is in surprisingly original condition, with some repair work noticeable. The back seam has been re-sealed and there are several repaired top cracks. The bridge has been re-glued and there is general overall finish wear, but for a guitar of this type and age the instrument is very well-preserved. Excellent Condition.
