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The original 1911 Jose Ramirez I guitar (on which this copy is based) is one of the most significant instruments of the 20th century. Shortly after arriving in the Rio de Plata region, Barrios made the acquaintance of Carlos Trapani who operated a music emporium on the waterfront of Montevideo, Uruguay, who provided him with this instrument. Barrios went on to record his first ground breaking commercial recordings on this guitar in 1913, before Miguel Llobet and Andres Segovia began their recording careers. The same year the guitar endured immersion in the river near Tanqueras, Uruguay after which it needed extensive repair work. The guitar was eventually gifted to Modesto Impar, a justice of the peace in Tanqueras.
Sheppard chose to use a redwood top to try to match the appearance of the spruce on the original which went dark after it went in the river and also included the pearl inlays in the bridge even though the originals were lost when it was submerged. Otherwise, all construction details are taken from the original, including special hand-made tuners replicated by Nicolo Alessi. Additionally, it is a fantastic playing and sounding guitar. Not only has Sheppard captured the aesthetic detail of the original, but also aspects of the sound and playability. Excellent guitar in every regard. We look forward to more of the "Barrios" instruments from this very fine and interesting guitar maker and are simply thrilled to have this one.
Luthier Bio: Federico Sheppard
