At Ramírez Guitars, each guitar is born from a unique story that begins long before the guitarist’s hands touch its strings. The selection and cutting of the wood are undoubtedly the most decisive steps in ensuring an instrument that combines beauty, durability and, above all, sonic excellence
In a recent video on our YouTube channel, Amalia Ramírez shares the importance of this first phase of the crafting process: how to cut the wood to obtain guitars of unparalleled quality. A gesture as simple as using a wedge to open a log can make the difference between an ordinary instrument and a guitar capable of thrilling with every note.
The traditional cut: following the grain of the
For decades, our workshop worked with whole cedar and spruce logs, woods chosen for soundboards because of their projection and rich tone. With the help of a wedge, the log was split along the natural grain. This method ensured a perfect cut, aligned with the internal structure of the wood.
The result was tops with unique phenomena such as mirroring, a special shine produced by cross-grains that bring the instrument to life, or so-called bear claws, unique marks that may seem like imperfections to some guitarists, but which in fact reveal the highest quality wood. These tops are not only more resistant and flexible, but also transmit a richer, deeper and more lasting sound.
When, on the other hand, the wood is cut with a saw, forcing the grain, some of these acoustic qualities are lost. For this reason, wedge cutting has remained a symbol of respect for tradition and a guarantee of excellence.
The memory of the Ramírez family and the search for the best wood
The history of Ramírez Guitars is full of memories linked to the selection of wood. Amalia recalls how her father received a shipment of Brazilian rosewood that did not meet expectations. After her complaint, the supplier sent an extraordinary piece as compensation, which the workshop christened ‘el jamón’ (the ham). For months, no one dared to open it, until they finally did and discovered a piece of rosewood of incomparable beauty. From that piece came guitars that travelled all over the world, becoming ambassadors of the Ramírez sound.
Tradition that looks to the future
Today, due to species protection regulations and the difficulty of acquiring whole logs, we work with specialised suppliers who provide us with ready-made wood. However, we maintain the same criteria that has guided us since 1882: always choosing wood selected with rigour and respect, to create guitars that offer the best possible sound.
Each Ramírez instrument is the result of a combination of inherited knowledge and a constant pursuit of excellence. From the initial cutting of the wood to the final details of varnishing, each step reflects the spirit of a dynasty of guitar makers that has marked the history of music.
