How to buy an official José Ramírez guitar in the USA: Authenticity and heritage

For more than a century and a half, Guitarras Ramírez has been a key reference for classical and flamenco guitarists around the world. From the prodigious hands of legendary masters like Andrés Segovia to the most prominent modern virtuosos of our time, our handcrafted instruments have contributed to shaping the very sound of guitars made in Spain. Due to this immense historical legacy, we very frequently receive a question from our American friends: “How can I safely buy an official Ramirez guitar from the United States?”

In a modern global market flooded with unauthorized resellers, secondary markets of doubtful origin, and unfortunately, counterfeits, ensuring that you receive a genuine Ramírez instrument is essential. This comprehensive guide is specifically designed to help our American customers and the Spanish-speaking community residing in North America smoothly navigate the process of acquiring an official guitar directly from our official distributor, Gold Tone, which holds the exclusivity for our Studio line, guaranteeing total peace of mind and personalized attention. In the case of our handmade guitars, you can choose this option or buy directly from our shop in Madrid.

The risks of the secondary market and why you should buy from the official store

When searching for handmade guitars in the United States, it is very likely that you will find several online marketplaces, forums, or unofficial distributors claiming to have our instruments in stock. However, purchasing directly through our official distributor, our official website, or visiting our renowned physical shop in Madrid offers many vital benefits that no third party can match:

• 100% guaranteed authenticity: Every guitar purchased directly from our distributor or our shop includes its official certificate of authenticity, signed, stamped, and verified personally by the Ramírez family. This document is essential to maintain the historical and monetary value of the instrument.
• Warranty: You receive the official warranty with the instrument. This warranty is often voided, non-transferable, or impossible to claim when purchased through unauthorized third-party platforms.
• First-hand expert advice: Buying through our distributor or from us means you speak directly with an expert advisor from our distributor or with us.

Key differences: choosing between a classical and a flamenco guitar

Before finalizing your purchase, it is essential to know exactly which instrument best suits your playing style, technique, and repertoire. Are you looking for the deep tones, with great projection, harmonics, and rich nuances of an artisan handmade classical guitar? Or, conversely, do you require the bright, percussive, and rapid attack of a flamenco guitar?

If you are unsure which path to take, we highly recommend taking a few minutes to read our educational guide on the differences between a classical and a flamenco guitar. Our legendary Traditional Model (Ramírez 1a) remains one of the most requested and respected instruments in US conservatories, although interest in the new models is gradually growing.

If you decide to buy a handmade instrument directly from us to the United States:

We understand that acquiring a high-end instrument from another continent can raise questions. However, at Guitarras Ramírez we have experience shipping instruments to many parts of the world. When you buy an official Ramírez guitar from the USA, the logistics are handled with exquisite rigor:

1. Specialized packaging: It is stored in a premium hard case and secured in a resistant external packaging.
2. Insured international shipping: The instrument will be insured with the shipping company, and a separate insurance policy will be made with a specialized insurance provider. It is very important to thoroughly check the package once received and, if any damage is noticed, photograph it and indicate it to the courier on the delivery note. Immediately after, we recommend that you write to us to claim the damages. It is important that this is done within the first 24 to 48 hours.
3. Customs management, duties, and CITES certificates: Although US customs duties apply to imported goods—which the customer must be properly informed about before making the purchase—we provide the required CITES documentation along with the guitar (vital when using protected woods like Brazilian rosewood) and the corresponding invoice.

Maintaining your guitar upon arriving in its new climate

The United States has drastically different climate zones, from the constant humidity of Florida to the extreme dry heat of Arizona. Once your guitar arrives, proper maintenance is the key to its longevity. Sudden changes in humidity affect solid woods. We advise our clients to read our guide on how to clean your guitar and its fingerboard, as well as to always use a quality humidifier inside the case during the driest months.

Contact our shop directly

If you are planning a vacation or a business trip to Spain, we always welcome our international customers to visit our historic shop and try the instruments in person. If you are placing your order online and need us to personally help you select the perfect guitar, do not hesitate to contact us.