At the Ramírez Guitars workshop, every detail is steeped in tradition. Building a guitar is not merely a matter of joining together fine woods; it is an exercise in acoustic and ergonomic engineering. Within this process, one of the most critical elements—and one often least understood by the general public—is the neck. This component is not only the support for the guitarist’s hand, but also the central axis that ensures the instrument’s structural stability against the immense tension exerted by the strings.
The Complexity of the Invisible: The 12 Pieces of a Ramírez Neck
Many enthusiasts are surprised to learn that what appears to be a solid piece of wood is actually made up of several glued-together pieces. At Ramírez, we carry out all processes by hand, and the neck is one of the most complex. Our necks consist of 12 fundamental pieces:
- Four pieces in the heel: Which form the base where the neck joins the body.The main neck shaft: The core of the structure.
- The central piece of the neck: The main body.
- The headstock: Where the tuning pegs are housed.
- Internal reinforcements: An ebony strip and internal carbon fiber rod.
- The fingerboard: The high-grade ebony surface where the music happens.
Stability and Materials: Battling Humidity
Wood is a living material that reacts to its environment. The greatest enemy of a handcrafted guitar is sudden changes in humidity. To mitigate these effects, at Ramírez we incorporate ebony strip reinforcements (a contribution to the guitar by José Ramírez III) and carbon fibre (an innovation introduced by José Ramírez IV in the late 1970s) inside the neck. These materials act as a skeleton that maintains the straightness of the neck.
However, it is important to remember that these reinforcements are not a definitive ‘panacea’. The care that the guitarist takes of their instrument is vital. We always recommend following our free maintenance advice available on the website, which is essential for ensuring your instrument lasts a lifetime.
The ‘Scale Length’ and Ergonomics
The ‘scale length’ (the distance between the nut and the bridge) defines both the tension of the strings and the sound projection. Historically, in our most iconic model, the Traditional Model, the standard scale length is 664 mm, although prior to this, the most commonly used measurement in our workshop was 650 mm. This measurement, established in the 1960s, is responsible for the power and depth of sound that characterises Ramírez concert guitars.
The Innovations of José Ramírez IV and Amalia Ramírez
The quest for comfort has shaped the evolution of our firm. José Ramírez IV, responsive to requests from guitarists who found the 664 mm scale length demanding for smaller hands, introduced the 650 mm scale length, whilst also reducing the neck dimensions to 52.5 and 22 mm. This measurement offers a smoother playing experience without unduly sacrificing tonal richness.
For her part, Amalia Ramírez took a further step towards ergonomics. Following her discussions with the renowned guitarist Piero Bonaguri, Amalia introduced the concept of the slim neck. This innovation allows the thumb to glide more freely, reducing fatigue during prolonged playing sessions. However, this depends on the individual guitarist; a musician with large hands will probably need a wider neck.
Other neck widths: Flamenco and Romantic Model
The flamenco guitar has its own rules. Ever since Manuel Ramírez transformed the old tablao guitar into the instrument we know today — a legacy continued by figures such as Esteso, Borreguero and Santos Hernández — the flamenco scale length has barely changed, remaining at 656 mm. Manuel laid the foundations for the modern flamenco guitar, prioritising quick response, a mature sound and that characteristic ‘brillo’.
There is also the Romántica model. With a scale length of 638 mm, it is José Ramírez III’s interpretation of historical instruments. José III sought to break with tradition, using cedar tops and synthetic varnishes with a classic design, although we offer the traditional option of a spruce top and shellac (Varney).
Repairs and Technical Specifications: Fingerboard Replacement
Over the decades, constant tension and climatic changes may require a more significant intervention: a fingerboard replacement, which is why we recommend being very strict about the instrument’s maintenance. This is a common repair in our workshop. When carrying it out, we offer the customer the option to update the dimensions of their guitar if it dates from before the 1980s and to add a stiffening bar.
Over the decades, constant tension and climatic changes may require a more significant intervention: a fingerboard replacement, which is why we recommend being very strict about the instrument’s maintenance. This is a common repair in our workshop. When carrying it out, we offer the customer the option to update the dimensions of their guitar if it dates from before the 1980s and to add a stiffening bar.
| Neck Type | Nut Width (mm) | Thickness (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Vintage/Old Neck | 54 | 24 |
| Current Standard | 52.5 | 22 |
| Thin Neck | 52.5 | 20 |
Choosing Your Fit
While we offer shorter scale lengths for comfort, such as the 638 mm, we generally recommend a minimum of 650 mm for those seeking the best balance of power and projection. Shorter scales make the instrument more accessible for smaller hands but result in a slightly less "projective" voice. Whether you seek the historical power of Manuel's legacy or the modern ergonomics of Amalia's designs, the Ramírez neck remains the gold standard in lutherie.