The story of Ramírez Guitars cannot be told without talking about the journeymen who have passed through its workshops over the years. From the earliest days of the company, these talented craftsmen selected and trained by the Ramírez family have been the backbone of the production of high quality guitars, turning wood into musical instruments that have resonated on the world’s most important stages. Today, we will explore who some of José Ramírez III‘s officers were and their relationship with the master.
The beginning of a tradition
The officers of José Ramírez III feel they are more than just employees; they are part of a family who have dedicated their lives to music and craftsmanship to help maestro Ramírez realise his work. In a moving tribute by Amalia Ramírez, details are revealed about the lives of these officers, who began their guitar career at a very young age and became great professionals.
Arrival at Ramírez Guitars
The story begins with Miguel, a former shop manager and one of our longest-serving employees, who joined the shop after a career that began unexpectedly. Miguel, a young man studying violin, frequently found himself in Ramirez’s shop while waiting for his father, who worked there. At the age of 22, José Ramírez III offered him a permanent position. Miguel’s presence is fundamental in the video because he knew all of José Ramírez III’s officers, was his right-hand man and is our living memory of those times. In another of the videos published, which you can also see on this page, Antonio Martínez, one of the first officers of José Ramírez III, talks about his master. He was one of the so-called ‘silleros’, a cabinetmaker selected by José Ramírez for his skill with the tool.
A learning environment
The journeymen at Ramirez Guitars not only learned to build guitars; they also formed a community. They began as apprentices, facing the master’s demands for quality and rigorous practice. They spent years perfecting their craft, from tool handling to the construction of the complete guitar. These years of dedication culminated in the creation of instruments that are appreciated not only for their aesthetic beauty, but also for their sound quality, always under the supervision of José Ramírez III.
Innovation and tradition
Life in the workshop of José Ramírez III was a mixture of tradition and innovation. Although the work required a deep respect for traditional techniques, José Ramírez III was also known for his desire to experiment and explore new approaches to guitar making. His ideas, though sometimes risky, led to the evolution of the sound and quality of the guitars produced.
A legacy of creativity
The officers shared the same love of the guitar as their master José Ramírez III and this fostered an environment in which his officers could experiment with different woods and techniques, resulting in the creation of unique guitars. Each of these journeymen left their mark on the workshop following the master’s guidelines.
The stories behind the guitars
The officers’ stories are not only limited to their arrival at the workshop. Fernando, another of the journeymen, shared his experience of having to pass several tests before being recognised as a journeyman. This rigorous process ensures that every guitar that leaves the workshop is up to Ramírez quality standards. Each journeyman had his own stamp, which guaranteed that each guitar was made from start to finish by the same person and served as quality control for the master who knew through them who was responsible.
The impact of the officers of José Ramírez III
Many of José Ramírez III’s officers became independent, opening their own workshops because they wanted to become masters, creating guitars of the highest level that carry the spirit of Ramírez, keeping alive the tradition of the Spanish guitar.
An enduring legacy
The training and experience they acquired in the workshop have influenced the way they build their instruments, ensuring that the tradition of quality and craftsmanship of Ramírez Guitars endures through the generations. This shows that excellence in guitar making is not only the result of technique, but also of perseverance, passion and the desire to do a good job. José Ramírez III, a name that resonates in the history of the classical and flamenco guitar, left an indelible legacy in the world of music and luthery. José Ramírez III knew how to combine tradition and innovation in his workshop, creating instruments that captivated the best guitarists in the world, and his family has followed that path with the same rigour and love for the craft. Through this page, we will explore not only his history, but also the techniques, secrets and stories behind each guitar that bears the Ramírez name. You will be able to view the full related video. This is a tribute to the journeymen who trained and worked with José Ramírez III. They tell us their story as they lived it, nobody better than them to talk about José Ramírez III and his workshop (from 1940 to 1990). Available on YouTube at the following link.
