Since its foundation in 1882, Guitarras Ramírez has been a world reference in the manufacture of handcrafted guitars. This Madrid-based firm has been the mainstay of classical and flamenco guitar making for more than a century, and today continues its legacy with Amalia Ramírez, who has taken the reins of the workshop with passion and dedication. In a recent interview with El Periódico de España, Amalia shared her views on the importance of preserving the tradition of Spanish guitar making while adapting to the challenges of the 21st century. In this blog post, we explore the legacy of 142 years of history, the evolution of the brand and its impact on international music.
The origin of a legend: Ramírez Guitars and its century-long history
It all began with José Ramírez I, who founded the workshop in 1882 with the aim of creating guitars that would stand out for their sound and quality. Thanks to his determination and perfection in construction, his work laid the foundations of the Madrid school of guitar making, which influenced generations of luthiers in Spain and the world. Over the years, his descendants have kept the essence of the workshop alive. José Ramírez II, III and IV innovated in construction and design techniques, experimenting with materials and varnishes to improve the projection and resistance of the guitars. Over time, the brand became a symbol of excellence, earning the admiration of great artists such as Andrés Segovia and Paco de Lucía, who have chosen Ramírez guitars for their performances.
Amalia Ramírez: the first female master in the workshop
For the first time in the history of the family, the workshop has a female master guitarist at the head. Amalia Ramírez has become the guardian of the family legacy, bringing her unique vision to the construction of instruments. Since she started in the business, her approach has been clear: maintain quality and traditional craftsmanship, but without sacrificing innovation. Under her leadership, the workshop has incorporated improvements in construction and developed unique models that reflect her commitment to excellence. Amalia stresses in her interview the importance of training within the workshop, where apprentices must go through a rigorous process before reaching the status of journeymen and eventually masters. This method of apprenticeship ensures that the quality of Ramírez guitars remains unchanged over the years.
Innovation without losing the essence
Despite being a company with strong roots in tradition, Guitarras Ramírez has been able to evolve to adapt to new times. Amalia mentions in the interview how they have incorporated new materials and techniques without compromising the essence of the Ramírez sound. Among their innovations, the following stand out:
- The use of different varnishes, such as gomalaca and polyurethane, according to the musician’s needs.
- Experimentation with different types of wood, such as Madagascar rosewood, to obtain a richer sound.
- The electrification of some models, which has allowed Ramírez guitars to be used in new musical styles.
These improvements have ensured that the brand continues to be a world reference, attracting guitarists from all corners of the planet.
A legacy present in international stages and museums
The prestige of Ramírez Guitars is reflected not only on the stage, but also in important museums around the world. One of the most outstanding examples is the guitar of Andrés Segovia, which forms part of the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. This guitar was loaned on the condition that no one would touch it, thus preserving its sound and its history.
The need for a Music Museum in Madrid
During the interview, Amalia Ramírez called for the creation of a Music Museum in Madrid, stressing the importance of preserving the city’s musical heritage. Madrid has a rich musical tradition and an internationally recognised school of guitar making, but lacks a space dedicated to the exhibition and conservation of its historical instruments. Such a museum would make it possible to:
- Exhibit historic guitars of the Ramírez family and other great guitar makers nationally and internationally.
- Display phonographic archives and key documents on the history of the guitar in Spain.
- To offer workshops and conferences to promote the knowledge of guitar making.
- To create a meeting place for musicians, collectors and researchers.
Amalia insists that Madrid deserves a living, evolving centre that pays homage to its musical history and attracts visitors from all over the world.
142 years of passion and craftsmanship
Guitarras Ramírez is more than a guitar workshop, it is a living legacy that has stood the test of time thanks to its commitment to excellence. Under the direction of Amalia Ramírez, the company continues to innovate without losing its essence, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy a unique instrument full of history. With 142 years of experience and a firm look to the future, Guitarras Ramírez continues to be synonymous with quality, tradition and innovation in the world of the Spanish guitar. Read the full article in this link.
