Learn more about Ramirez Guitars through its historic workshop, where the tradition of craftsmanship has been passed down through generations. Since its foundation, Ramírez guitars have been used by the best guitarists in the world, and within this workshop, each instrument is created with meticulous care that reflects centuries of know-how.
The artisan legacy of the Ramírez workshop
The Ramírez Guitars workshop has more than two centuries of history. Started by José Ramírez I and continued by his descendants, this workshop has maintained a handcrafted manufacturing process that has remained virtually unchanged over time. Every guitar that comes out of Guitarras Ramírez is a reflection of the dedication and commitment to quality that has characterised this family of guitar makers.
One of the most striking aspects of the workshop is the dedication to the handcrafted process, which begins in their basement, where the woods that will be used in each instrument are carefully selected.
Materials from around the world
Each guitar built in our workshop uses wood from different parts of the world. We use six different types of wood from different places:
- Woods for the sides and back, from Brazil, India, Madagascar, Amazon, Italy, Turkey.
- European or Engelmann spruce (Canada or North America) and Canadian cedar used for the tops.
- Cedar from Central America for handles.
- African ebony for the fingerboards.
These woods that are carefully selected by us are stored for years to achieve the best tonal qualities. Every year we replenish the consumed wood to continue this process. Some woods have been stored for more than 70 years. This system makes the material used more expensive, as it cannot be used for years and therefore it takes a long time to amortise the purchase.
A process almost intact
The construction process in the Ramírez Guitars workshop has been maintained from the beginning with small modifications, such as small saws, handle milling machine, belt sanding, grinding machine, polishing machine, drill….. The techniques of taming, moulding and gluing the wood are still the same as in the time of José Ramírez I. All this leads us to preserve a traditional way of doing things, adapting to the new times and techniques that facilitate the work of the guitar maker.
The varnishing that we offer can be the classic one (gomalac) or the modern one (polyurethane).
The quest for perfect tone
Its history and tradition means that the Ramírez family never ceases to seek to adapt to changing times and the needs of guitarists. José Ramírez III and his descendants have worked tirelessly to find the ‘perfect sound’, a balance between materials and techniques that generates a unique sound quality.
While every guitar that comes out of the Ramírez workshop is an example of craftsmanship, the quest for ‘well made’ continues, proving that there is room for improvement and evolution.
Remember that you can view the original images and the dedicated excerpt from ‘You Asked fot It’ at this link.
