1957 Jose Ramirez II SP/CY

This guitar was made the year Jose Ramirez II passed away, and like the 1956 classical (also part of the Cleveland collection) already shows the growing influence of Manuel Ramirez over the Francisco Gonzalez-inspired style of his father, Jose Ramirez I in the plantilla, internal bracing and even decorative decisions.

It has a lightweight build, huge volume (even by 'modern' standards) and almost plays itself with a beautifully shaped neck and easy setup. The lightly braced top (only 5 fans) is very quick-responding with bullet-like trebles and raspy basses. Although it barks as a flamenco should, it can be caressed and played almost as a classical, the sound is so relaxed and open that it's a very versatile instrument which could work well in several different kinds of musical settings. Apart from two hairline (and nearly invisible) cracks in the sides, the guitar is in excellent condition. The instruments from this period of Ramirez are very rare and this is an excellent, top example from this era.