1964 Jose Ramirez "1a MT" SP/CSAR

This guitar was built in the famous Jose Ramirez III workshop, which for over half a century has produced instruments performed on by countless professionals from Sting to Segovia, Chet Atkins to Sabicas and Lee Ritenour to Christopher Parkening. The tone of this guitar has that classic, identifiable Ramirez sound from this era - a rich, thick and yet clear voice throughout, and has that essential warm, mysterious and moody quality that made Ramirez famous. Stamped initials internally are MT (Mariano Tezanos), who along with AM (Antonio Martinez) was the most sought-after of the Ramirez makers (For a complete list of Ramirez luthiers from this era, click here), particularly due the fondness Segovia had for his 1968 MT, arguably one of his two favorite Ramirez. This is fantastic example of the 1a model in its 'final' form - and the earliest we've seen that has doubled sides, which we believe was introduced in 1964. Condition is excellent with only one repaired crack in the back (repaired with glue only, and invisible from the outside) and a recent re-finish by GV Rubio (which has been factored into pricing, as MT Ramirez guitars can sell for $15,000+). Tuners are also brand-new Fusteros, supplied by Ramirez, identical to the machines that would have been on it in 1964. Overall, a striking and bold example of a top Ramirez from their golden era by one of its most legendary builders.

For more information on Ramirez, be sure to read The Ramirez Family: Masters of the Guitar, or for information on the Ramirez family members, from Amalia Ramirez back to Jose I and for some interesting fact-checking on myths and facts about this legendary workshop.