The radio comes to our workshop
Last (Monday, October 8, 2024) the programme ‘Hoy empieza todo’ of Radio 3, with Marta Echeverría and Nacho Álvaro, visited our workshop to learn first-hand about the construction process of a Ramírez guitar.
From ‘Manos Sucias’, Nacho Álvaro explored the heart of our workshop, where tradition and passion for music merge to create unique instruments. The interview, also streamed, offered an exclusive insight into the craftsmanship at Guitarras Ramírez.
A five-generation family legacy
Cristina Ramírez, a member of the fifth generation of the family, hosted Nacho Álvaro on this tour.
During the visit, Cristina highlighted the family character of the business and the importance of the Ramírez surname in the guitar world. Her passion for music and the family tradition have been pillars in her career as a guitar maker and as a key part of the workshop.
Apprentices, journeymen and masters: the structure of the workshop
The interview delved into the traditional organisation of the workshop, which has been in place since the 19th century.
Cristina explained the apprenticeship process, which begins with the apprentices, followed by the second journeymen, then the first journeymen and culminating with the masters. To reach the category of first class journeyman, the craftsmen must build four guitars without any defects. In our workshop, only a Ramírez can become a master.
If a first officer wants to become a master, he will have to become independent, open his own workshop, carry out his own research and make his own templates. Currently, Amalia Ramírez, the first woman of the saga, is the master of the workshop.
The construction process: from wood to strings
Enrique Ramírez, first mate and brother of Cristina, described the meticulous process of building a guitar.
- Wood selection: Each piece is chosen with extreme care. The woods must be dry enough to be used; our drying process is natural, that is, they are dried for years before use.
- Production of the lid and floor: This includes the lid and floor joint, the creation of the rosette, the rods and rods, as well as other reinforcement elements.
- Handle, box assembly and locking, fingerboard, bridge and fret placement.
- Varnishing, which can be done either with a die-cutting machine (gomalac) or with a spray gun (polyurethane).
- Importance of the strings: Cristina underlined how the choice of strings is a very personal matter and has to do with the tastes and needs of the musician. Within the quality strings, any option is valid.
Ramírez Guitars: an international recognition
Cristina and Enrique shared stories that reflect the global prestige of Ramirez Guitars.
They mentioned Andrés Segovia’s guitar, on display at the Metropolitan Museum in New York, and highlighted the presence of his instruments in museums such as those in Paris and Brussels, demonstrating the impact of his legacy.
A plea for a museum of instruments in Madrid
Cristina took advantage of the interview to advocate for a museum of instruments in Madrid. She highlighted the cultural richness of the city and the potential of integrating public funds and private collections in a space that celebrates music and its history.
The sound and aroma of tradition
The interview culminated with a sensory description of the workshop.The aroma of wood and sawdust, together with the use of gomalaca as a handcrafted varnish, reflect Guitarras Ramírez’s commitment to quality and tradition.
We would like to thank Marta Echeverría, Nacho Álvaro and the ‘Hoy empieza todo’ team for their visit, which allowed us to share our passion for the guitar with Radio 3 listeners.
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