
Manuel Ramírez 1864 – 1916
Manuel Ramirez de Galarreta and Planell was born in 1864 in Alhama de Aragón. Although the usual residence of the family was in Madrid, the father’s work took them to stay in Alhama de Aragón on occasion. Manuel was his older brother’s (José Ramírez I) apprentice and learnt everything involved in the guitar trade from him. Back in 1891, at the age of 27 he decided to become independent. Initially his idea was to set himself up in Paris, and on communicating this to José, José helped him with his plans to bring the project to fruition. But no-one knows why Manuel changed his mind and ended up in no. 24 Calle Cava Baja in Madrid. This action caused enmity between the brothers, which was never resolved. After having been in Calle Cava Baja for a while, he moved the workshop to no. 5 Plaza Santa Ana and much later to 10 Calle Arlabán where he settled permanently. In a short time, he managed to be regarded very highly not only as a manufacturer of guitars but also of violins and other stringed instruments. He was nominated as Luthier of the Royal Conservatory of Madrid. Additionally, he continued the school founded by his brother. The guitar-makers he trained, on becoming independent were recognised as the best manufacturers of the era. These students included Santos Hernández, Domingo Esteso and Modesto Borreguerro.
Due to the success of the ‘Tablao’ Guitar designed by his brother José, Manuel continued to make them, but little by little he developed his own template until he got a flamenco instrument which continues being the model for this type of guitar and which his disciples continued using.