1912 Manuel Ramirez SP/CSAR

The Manuel Ramirez shop is undoubtedly the most important workshop of the early turn-of-the-century, post-Torres era of guitar making. Manuel Ramirez (1864-1916) committed himself to ensuring the survival of the "Torres" design into the 20th century (and beyond). With his vision and determination, coupled with a shop assembled of the finest builders alive at the time (including none other than Santos Hernandez, Domingo Esteso, Modesto Borreguero, Pascual Viudes and very likely Enrique Garcia), he successfully produced great instruments that secured the legacy of Torres for all future generations of guitar makers. This particular guitar is a perfect example of the style and sound that had such a profound impact on its listeners and players.

This drop-dead gorgeous instrument was built the same year as Segovia's famous and iconic 1912 Manuel Ramirez (now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, along with Segovia's 1937 Hauser I) but is a smaller-bodied model with intricate detailing including some very fine MOP inlay work in the rosette and bridge. This must have been one of the more expensive models offered from this shop as it also uses very fine materials including a beautiful set of CSA rosewood for the back and sides. The instrument has a surprisingly "huge" sound with magnificent quality of tone. Its feather-like weight gives it instant response. It has deep basses, sparkling trebles, and rich textures of sound interwoven with the clear, focused fundamentals. The sound is unmistakably Spanish - deep, dark and mysterious, and the experience of playing a guitar like this is unique, likely also due to the age and its having been played regularly for over 100 years. There are some repairs to the back and sides, and one crack on the soundboard, all well-repaired and stable. Overall this is a beautiful example of a top model from this famous workshop in every regard. Performer or collector alike will be thrilled with this instrument.