Guitar for Masters Study

[guitardude127]

I'm a guitar major, and am currently wrapping up my undergrad work, and will begin my masters study in performance and composition in August. As a gift from many members of my family, I am gonig to recieve a better classical guitar than the ones I currently have (Ramirez R4 and E4). I love Ramirez guitars and am currently considering buying a 1a. Any suggestions on maybe some other guitars to check out in about the same quality range with a loud and really rich warm tone? Thanks.

[selma600]

no suggestions, but warmest congratulations!!!! Where are you going to be studying?

[GSI Fan]

guitardude127,

Congratulations. Keep up the great work.

My personal all time favorite is the Ramirez 1a. It can't be duplicated or matched.

The choice of your first higher-end, concert level guitar, unless you have an endless stream of cash, should be geared towards what's already familiar to you. Less financial risk. Save the fun of experimentation until your career blossums. It'll be sweeter and more rewarding.

There's no doubt your talent would make the various adjustments to a different instrument easy. My question would be, do you really want to? The more you change the more change you're going to need to make.

For what its worth, I think you're on the right path with the Ramirez 1a. If your journey leads you to the 1a, keep your eyes on GSI's site. I have a VERY strong feeling a 2003 Ramirez 1a SP/BR in stunning, near-mint condition will show up. The couple thousand saved might come in handy.

GDude, good luck with your studies. Hope I helped a little?

[sl455]

Congrats--where will you be doing your graduate work? The Ramirez guitars do offer a lot but do try out lots of guitars. I don't know how much those Ramirez guitars go for but I feel you can get a really really great concert guitar for $3500-$4000. So, "quality range" can be a very loose and dangerous definition. I don't know if that sounds high to you but I think of that as a mid-range price.

Make yourself a list of questions or even just a list of things you want your new guitar to do. Do you want a brighter sound? Darker? Lower action? Keep in mind the things you (I) take for granted, like the thickness of the neck--if I could do it again I'd get a thicker neck. But you build your technique around your instrument anyways, so... Or, make a list of the things you like in your current guitar and a list of things you don't like about your guitar.

Recall a time when you heard a concert and that person's guitar (and playing, of course) blew your socks off. Do you remember what guitar he/she was playing? If no, what about the qualities of that guitar that were so stunning?

[daniel711]

*** THIS MESSAGE WAS EDITED BY OUR FORUM ADMINISTRATOR ***
PLEASE READ OUR FORUM AGREEMENT (http://forum.guitarsalon.com/profile.php?mode=register)

[Libre]

Daniel, are you waking the dragon again? Jeez, can't you write anything without waking one? When you wake the ADMIN's dragon, then you're really scr*wing the pooch.

[daniel711]

No Marc,
I just tried to give out my e-mail for the 1a I'm trying to sell. Nothing controversial, just against the rules......

[Libre]

Wow - these guys sure are sticklers. A 1A, HUH? As in, a Ramirez 1A? I'd like to hear about this. Email me - if you don't mind, with a description.
marcfriedlander_AT_erols_DOT_com.

[GSI Fan]

guitardude,

As a follow-up to my earlier post, David with GSI will be receiving the 2003 Ramirez 1a tommorrow. Give him a call if you're interested.

[GSI Fan]

Wow - these guys sure are sticklers.

Libre - I do not want to seem rude. At times I've even been accused of being, let's say, rough in my written correspondence. I've learned to accept this. So, before I say anything, I'll apologize upfront.

GSI has provided this forum as a sounding board for CGist's to exchange interesting information and share useful thoughts. I seriously doubt their intent was to provide a free forum for individuals and merchants to sell their goods and services. That wouldn't be too smart.

It's not a bad idea to have place to post FSBO merchandise. Maybe GSI would consider a Forum Index that allows, for a price/fee, individuals to sell their stuff. Just a thought. Again, sorry if I came across abrasive.

[Libre]

I'm not sure what you are apologizing about, GSI FAN. When somebody apologizes in advance for something they're about to say, that really gets my radar working, expecting a full frontal assault. But I don't see anything at all. Hmmmm.
Hey look, I'm a New Yorker. If you want to say something rough or abrasive to me, you're going to have to do a lot better than that. I just said they were sticklers. I have a WEB site myself. Nobody gets to put stuff for sale on my site, tell you that. So I fully understand.
Another thing, I've kinda developed a report with daniel, so I was just sorta busting b*lls.

[Jubilee Valence]

*** THIS MESSAGE WAS EDITED BY OUR FORUM ADMINISTRATOR ***
PLEASE READ OUR FORUM AGREEMENT (http://forum.guitarsalon.com/profile.php?mode=register) :shock: :!: :shock: :?: :idea: :shock: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :P :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :P :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :P :P :P :P :P :arrow: (translation of last "remark"--"exit"---"stage Rrr-ight!")...oh!...POOCH!!!!! :wink:

[Jubilee Valence]

Wow - these guys sure are sticklers.

Libre - I do not want to seem rude.WHO, YOU?-naaaahhh... At times I've even been accused of being, let's say, rough in my written correspondence. I've learned to accept this.(YOU SHOUD'A SEEN ME AWILE BACK!) So, before I say anything, I'll apologize upfront.

GSI has provided this forum as a sounding board for CGist's to exchange interesting information and share useful thoughts. I seriously doubt their intent was to provide a free forum for individuals and merchants to sell their goods and services. That wouldn't be too smart.

It's not a bad idea to have place to post FSBO merchandise. Maybe GSI would consider a Forum Index that allows, for a price/fee, :idea: :idea: :idea: (HOWZ ABOUT FREE!!!!!!!!!--eh? boys?......nahh,never woik!...WAIT A MINUTE!!....nice try!!!....jeeeezz!!! :shock: --waz'zis?? :arrow: "..keep your eyes on GSI's site. I have a VERY strong feeling a 2003 Ramirez 1a SP/BR in stunning, near-mint condition will show up. The couple thousand saved might come in handy. :shock: an'-may----be----this! :arrow: "...will be receiving the 2003 Ramirez 1a tommorrow. Give him a call if you're interested." ) individuals to sell their stuff. Just a thought. Again, sorry if I came across abrasive. :? .....iz'zat like,san'pape-uh?...........so, let's get this straight....you "acein' out" one'a th'boys! 'n then t'rowin' him to da' ol' FSBO eh?...wit' maybe a ..."fee".........must be in managment!.................................ey' ya', Marc-O!--d'only woid they get me for every time is --"ass" see?--look they jus' did it again!.....ev-er'yt'ing else goes right tru'.......huh......

[ykabban]

Jubilee Valence, huh,
everytime I see your name I think of the VSEPR theory(can't help it, I'm a research scientist). You're funny, and apparently very bright. Keep up the good work.

[Zak]

Valence shell electron pair repulsion theory...that takes me back to my days in general chem (last year). I'm suffering through second semester organic, now. I'll sure be glad when it's over.

As far as a guitar for your masters study - be sure to check out your local luthiers; you might find a gem, probably at a lower price than the high end ramirez (and quite possibly, better sound).

[GSI Fan]

Jubilee,

To answer the question, no I'm not in management with GSI. Nor am I interested in acing anyone out. I simply respect the business and the people at GSI. I also feel that any business with the willingness to provide customers and non-customers alike, a global opportunity to exchange opinions, at their expense, certainly deserves to earn what their in business for to begin with...a profit.

Is the 1a mine? Yes. Will I be paying GSI a "fee"? Yes.

[Jubilee Valence]

Jubilee Valence, huh,
everytime I see your name I think of the VSEPR theory(can't help it, I'm a research scientist). You're funny, and apparently very bright. Keep up the good work. :mrgreen: Thank you, sir & I certainly don't mean to "hi-jack",(over & over & over,etc);-I do manage to repel; somehow;-appearances.....can be deceiving!( I'm a dropout! :roll: )but the "glimmer became dimmer" years ago....maybe you fellers got somethin' there w/ that VSEPR;the "certainty" of the principal comes to mind-as I'm turning out to be all hydrogen(not hot air! *for you non-geeks!) & my buddy "sol",hell, he's just'a fizzlin' out!-"yk.."-do any "-sonics"?...other than the obvious,(flamenco right?)...i.e.--lab stuff?

[Jubilee Valence]

Jubilee,

To answer the question, no I'm not in management with GSI. Nor am I interested in acing anyone out. I simply respect the business and the people at GSI. I also feel that any business with the willingness to provide customers and non-customers alike, a global opportunity to exchange opinions, at their expense, certainly deserves to earn what their in business for to begin with...a profit.

Is the 1a mine? Yes. Will I be paying GSI a "fee"? Yes.OK pard,chill!- I can take a gag as good as the next guy!--so, in that light, HA HA...LOLOLOL,jeeezz! I didn't ask you if you were in management....just pointing out that you're,ahem,..."cut out" 'fer it! LOLOLOLOL--dig?...jeeezz!....as far as--"...willingness to provide customers and non-customers alike, a global opportunity to exchange opinions, at their expense,..." --son, 'yer "preachin' to the choir"!! jeeezzz!!!...matter 'o'fact--that was my sermon the other night...& the time before that, &...jeeezzz-O!!...but----you got a nice way of sayin' it!...that "1A" biz'nez' ain't none 'o' my business!!!...but :arrow: "..a global opportunity to exchange opinions..."--I guess it's everyb-.....aaahhh,"fergit it"....HEY! is this one of your "rough" ones?...WHEW!!!...ok,"mac"(remember the "....naaahh..")lem'mee wipe the sand off here......yeah!--good gag!...I,"we", sure wouldn't want anybody to think that our gracious hosts here are into hiring practices, & other techniques that aren't tip-top! & oh! boy!--to think someone would try ta' pin it on ol' Jubidubidu!!!!We're talkin' 5A,5star, etc all the way!---Thank's "..Fan"--good one!.............................................. ..........(why is it always at "closin' time"...........I never copy 'em at "closin' time....eh,"cites"?)-- y entonces--"JUBIDUBIDUBIDUBIDU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" p.s.3 jeezz's & 1 jeezz-O!...Whoa!!!!!

[selma600]

It's a nice idea, as mentioned somewhere along the line, to have a place at GSI where people could offer their stuff. Maybe they might consider this, for a percentage of the sale? That said, though, once you get into consignment sales, which is what that boils down to, all sorts of issues come up. mostly involving delivery of the goods, payments etc. If you get burned by somebody who either doesnt send the instrument or you get a dud, who are you going to yell at? Right., GSI! I have handled "indie" consignments for a record retailer and that was enough of a pain. we wanted to offer artists who produced their own cd's a place to sell, but keeping up with it all...
anyway. there is always rec.music.classical.guitar in the newsgroups where notes about stuff for sale may not be encouraged, but is tolerated.

[daniel711]

Jubilee Valence -
You're even smarter than I thought you were (and I think you're damn smart)

GSI FAN - So, first you "slip" your Ramirez 2003 1a into the thread, then you post your "OPINION" defending the GSI policy of no FSBO guitars!!!! What a hypocrite! (sleaze is a better word).

Guitardude127 - Beware of what you pay for a 2003 1a - it includes a fat "commission"!! And I guarentee you can find one for half the price. :wink:

Marc - Can you believe this guy!!!???
(Let's see how long this post lasts)

[Faya]

i know where there's a 1985 Ramirez 1a for sale............, and at a good price too. Like new condition as well!

But then again.........,there's lot's of other great makers out there.........

[GSI Fan]

Daniell711,

I’m very sorry you feel that way. But resorting to childish name calling? I pity people who resort to unwarranted and slanderous accusations. It’s a free society I know, and everyone is entitled to their opinions regardless of how wrong they are.

Let me ask you; In what way do you consider assisting GSI in the promotion of their business to be hypocritical? At any time have I wavered from this position? Furthermore, how does assisting a budding young student in their endeavors strike you as pretentious (sleazy) on my part? I’m not the one trying to sell my stuff on someone else’s dime. QUOTE: "No Marc, I just tried to give out my e-mail for the 1a I'm trying to sell. Nothing controversial, just against the rules......"

I suppose staying within the prescribed rules is sleazy and disregarding them is OK, right?

Is it possible for guitardude127 to find and purchase a 1a, or any other instrument, for less than the price my 1a will be set? Absolutely!!! At what risk though? If guitardude is fortunate enough to find a great value, save money and do it safely I endorse it 100%. Regardless if it's mine or someone else's.

GSI will examine my instrument thoroughly. When they’re satisfied it is what it is, they’ll stand behind it. If interested, the prospective buyer will have an opportunity to examine it themselves and decide. It’s a “safety-net” and has a definitive value (a fat "commission" as you so eloquently put it). So, guitardude buys an instrument for less than GSI would have sold it and comes to find it was misrepresented. What’s the recourse?

Remember that this is GSI’s forum. It’s not yours and it’s not mine. Please respect that and, for future reference, avoid insulting and/or accusing someone you don’t even know.

“Those who do not trust cannot be trusted themselves.” Your quote for the day!!

To everyone that’s subjected to reading this, I extend my sincerest apology.

[daniel711]

GSI FAN -
You still don't get it !!!!!!!!! I wasn't referring to GSI!!!! I was referring to YOU!!!! Now go back and read the posts.... YOU are the hypocrite, not GSI!!!!

[Jubilee Valence]

QUOTE:"..GSI will examine my instrument thoroughly. When they’re satisfied it is what it is, they’ll stand behind it. If interested, the prospective buyer will have an opportunity to examine it themselves and decide. It’s a “safety-net” and has a definitive value (a fat "commission" as you so eloquently put it). So, guitardude buys an instrument for less than GSI would have sold it and comes to find it was misrepresented. What’s the recourse?

Remember that this is GSI’s forum. It’s not yours and it’s not mine. Please respect that and, for future reference, avoid insulting and/or accusing someone you don’t even know.."END QUOTE. (preachin' to most of the choir again....research types are so...."touchy!")...a "certainty" of principle; a dictum;but, remember,--"quanta" or "string" :arrow: :idea: (insider note: In a "perfect world","Rexy"would be able to take over heraldry,freeing me up to continue my duties as "sanitation engineer", & "cites" would be free to pull the switch at the appropriate occasion(s) within a broader spectrum ..."scarcely dare...") :arrow: Alas!...'tis not,methinks!....we're however on the same team folks!....Adrian,Tim,Dave-et al....how's about some "shirts";a "pit"(not here! of course...more along the lines of TTT..) & a "user group" to discuss a recent "invasion"-replete w/ the proverbial albeit real Trojan Horse.......what was that Pepe used to say?..."Mira Sancho..."--back to the "field".......

[GSI Fan]

Daniel711,

Ok, here are my final comments on the subject; Daniel, you’re obviously void of the capacity to grasp an educated understanding of hypocrisy. So, with the help of Webster’s Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language I’ll spell it out for you. Ready:

Hypocrisy – 1. a pretense of having a virtuous character, moral or religious beliefs or principles, etc., that someone does not really possess. 2. a pretense of having some desirable or publicly approved attitude. 3. an act or instance of hypocrisy.

Now that you have the definition in front of you, make a valid argument that my actions or comments fit.

We can safely rule out #1 since you don’t know me. I can rule out #2 for you because I really don’t care what you or anyone else here thinks about me. And, #3 disappears by default.

Unless you’ve had the opportunity to examine my financials recently you have no idea if my intention was self-serving or because I genuinely wished to help someone. On the other hand it appears your motives are less than honorable. So to simplify matters and to set the record straight, I don’t care if my 1a sits at GSI for years…I’ll still eat quite well every day. It will sell eventually and GSI will have earned their commission for helping. I’m not running for “President of the GSI forum” so I’m not campaigning for any forum members approval either. I’m dumbfounded how you associated my prior posting with an accusation against GSI.

My intentions were to help someone…that’s it! No covert tactics. I loved the 1a and still do. It’s a truly remarkable instrument. I had to part with it because of recent “old-age” back problems. I babied the 1a all the while I had it too. In fact, David and I had arranged a wonderful trade-in a couple months back. The evening before I was to have shipped the guitar to GSI, I choose to polish it and change the strings to express my gratitude. While tuning it the high “e” slipped its knot and dinged the soundboard behind the bridge. I had it “touched”, not refinished, to lessen the visual impact at my expense. The event not only delayed the acquisition of my new guitar, it restructured the acquisition of it, and it cost me lots-o-dough. I didn’t attempt to side step the rules here to recapture my costly mistake/mishap. More importantly, it would please me to know my 1a was in the hands of someone deserving and appreciative. It is after all, a gorgeous instrument.

I wish you would dismiss with you’re distrustful opposition. If you’ve got something useful and constructive, share it. Otherwise, keeps your malice thoughts to yourself. Also, if you’re interested in selling your 1a, no one is standing in the way. Just obey the rules like everyone else is expected to!!!

Sorry again folks. Unfortunately Daniel needs to show-off for everyone at my expense and hardship.