1981 Jose Ramirez "1a" CD/IN (ex Stephen Paul, aka "Esteban")

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. It is very easy to play, with a lovely neck and easy action, despite the way many of the guitars from this period were set up. The tone is thick yet clear, and has that essential warm, mysterious and moody quality that made Ramirez famous. This was a regular gigging guitar for many years used by Stephen Paul, aka "Esteban", and has been fitted with tap plates, and an LR Baggs Anthem pickup for electrification. Apart from some minor wear, it's in excellent shape with one well-repaired crack on the soundboard at the edge of the tap plate (bass side), leaving it in concert-ready condition. Whether plugged in or used acoustically, it has a big, robust sound that Ramirez fans will love. Overall a great example of a fine Ramirez for the gigging musician needing the option to plug-in and amplify.

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.