Amalia Ramírez (born 1955) is the Madrid guitar maker who has directed the José Ramírez workshop since the death of her brother, José Ramírez IV, in June 2000. The daughter of José Ramírez III, she inspects every guitar the workshop makes and has developed new models of her own, while training the next generation of the family.
At a Glance
- Born: October 1955, Madrid
- Workshop: José Ramírez, Calle de la Paz 8, Madrid
- Trained: in the Ramírez workshop under her father, from 1976
- Directs the workshop: since June 2000
- Models: the "SP" semi-professional series; the 125th-anniversary "Anniversary" and "125 Years" guitars
- Next generation: her niece and nephew, Cristina and José Enrique Ramírez
Daughter of José Ramírez III
Amalia Ramírez was born in Madrid in October 1955, daughter of José Ramírez III. She began her guitar-making apprenticeship in the workshop under the direction of her father in 1976, at age 21, learning the craft alongside her brother, José Ramírez IV. She left for a few years, only to return to help her brother in the restructuring and management of the shop, and to bring a new look to the family business. Being as creative as she is resourceful, she was at first in charge of the administration and marketing, but eventually took over the workshop itself.
The work was evenly distributed between the two: José Enrique was devoted mainly to the workshop, while Amalia applied herself to the commercial aspects. Amalia also built guitars after establishing the workshop again in General Margallo. The real change occurred at the beginning of 1993, when they returned to the original outline of a reduced workshop and a limited production. In the summer of 1995 the store moved from Concepción Jerónima nº 2 to Calle de la Paz nº 8, very near the old store.
Directing the José Ramírez Workshop
After the death of her brother in June 2000, Amalia Ramírez took over the direction of the business, dividing her time between the workshop, the office and the shop. She completely took over the workshop and committed herself to carrying on the family tradition: "I am in personal charge of supervising the processes and the quality of each and every guitar. Once completed, I check them again myself, to be sure that nothing more can be done to make them more perfect."
Since taking over the direction of the business, Amalia has employed an investigative approach to guitar making, which began with different analyses of the template and fan bracing of the guitars, some based on the golden section. The work is slow, not only because each investigation requires a huge investment of time, but also because she has to combine it with running all the other aspects of the business.
New Models: the "SP" and the 125th Anniversary
She has designed a number of different models, including the "SP", which stands for semi-professional. This project was originally conceived during the 1980s but did not materialize until it came under Amalia's direction. It is designed to provide the professional musician of limited means with an instrument of professional quality, bridging the gap – both financially and in terms of quality – between the student models and the concert guitars, with a spruce or a cedar soundboard. To celebrate the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Ramírez firm she also designed the "Anniversary" guitar, a limited-edition professional guitar of which only 125 were made, and a student model, the 125 Years Guitar, produced between January 2007 and December 2011.
"It took me several days, following a profusion of study and calculations, to start sawing off the first board in order to achieve the greatest beauty, the best conditions for sound and resistance, and the highest degree of usability."
– José Ramírez III, Things About the Guitar
The Next Generation
An important responsibility she has taken on is the development and supervision of the apprenticeship of her late brother's children, Cristina and José Enrique Jr., who have been working with Amalia since 2006. José Enrique Jr. has combined his apprenticeship as a luthier with his career in law, and Cristina is applying her training and experience as a graphic designer, journalist and sound technician in the interest of the family business. With this, and Amalia's mentorship, they will continue the Ramírez dynasty of guitar makers.
José Ramírez Guitars at GSI
Many José Ramírez guitars have passed through our doors over the years. You'll find guitars currently in stock by clicking the "Guitars In Stock" button in the header of this page as well as earlier examples in our Museum by clicking the "Guitars In Museum" button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Amalia Ramírez?
The daughter of José Ramírez III, who has directed the José Ramírez workshop in Madrid since the death of her brother José IV in 2000.
Are new José Ramírez guitars made under Amalia Ramírez?
Yes – she supervises and inspects every guitar the workshop makes, during and after construction.
Who will carry on the Ramírez workshop?
Her niece and nephew, Cristina and José Enrique Ramírez, who have worked with her since 2006.
