Jose Ramirez 1E

My Jose Ramirez 1E is the entry level student model classical guitar, with solid African mahogany back and sides, red cedar top, ebony finger board, 650mm string length, made in Spain 2004. No electronics, of course. According to the Ramirex website: "These guitars are made outside the tiny Ramirez workshop, in limited runs, by carefully selected Spanish manufacturers. They are specifically and uniquely built for Ram??rez and although their construction is not directly inspected by Amalia Ram??rez, these guitars are finally adjusted in her workshop by her craftsmen, and under her personal supervision." Although this is a student instrument, it is worthy of the Ramirez label, famed maker of guitars for Andres Segovia.

The sound is excellent, and the reason I purchased this particular guitar. On the recommendation of the salesman, I replaced the original strings with a set of Augustine S.P. strings, which sound excellent with this guitar. Before buying the 1E I played every available classical guitar, including a 4E, and preferred this particular 1E to all of the others I was able to try. Since every handmade guitar is different, I would recommend the same approach to anyone buying a similar guitar. No two sound alike.

This particular guitar, like most of the others at this price range, is quite beautifully made. One reason I was able to purchase it for a reduced price was a barely noticeable ding near the bridge, but and some other evidence of being slightly shop worn. But these were mere cosmetics. The construction, action, etc. were all superb. Some find the action of Ramirez guitars a little high, but I haven't found that to be a problem. The more I play it, the more I like it.

One of the reasons I bought the Ramirez guitar was the reputation these guitars have for durability. But this is a new instrument, and only time will tell if that reputation is well founded.

I have not had to test customer support for this guitar.

This is my first classical guitar. I've been playing guitar as an amateur for over 40 years, primarily folk and rock, primarily acoustic. My previous guitars have been steel strings, most recetnly a Guild dreadnought, a Taylor grand auditorium, an Ovation acoustic/electric. From experience I've learned that it's much easier to play a well made guitar than a cheap one. For that reason I did a lot of comparison shopping before I finally purchased this Ramirez 1E. I have not been disappointed. My classical playing is coming along very well. In fact, it's become my passion. But it would not be as satisfying without a guitar that rewards a good performance. Before you buy a classical guitar, any guitar, play it, and buy the best guitar you can afford. You will not regret it, and your playing will improve noticeably. If I were to lose this guitar, I would look for another like it, or possibly a 4E. Anything more would be foolish, given my talents and needs.

1996 Ramirez E1. Standard Ramirez Student model in the Madrid tradition I think. Full purling at base and table - it is intersting to note that in this price range you still get laminate sides etc. - the # must go into the construction skills of the intrument - not the base materials. In my opinion this is the the right way around. I've seen and heard trillions of of classical guitars made from higher quality wood that were not very well put together.

Classic "Segovia" spanish sound in the Madrid tradition. Base is particularly rich and good - top end is a little thinner (in comparison!) and I am steadily working on this with string selection & may well try Augustine Red next per other review of E1.(I've been doing this for a decade - owning a guitar like this is a long term thing!)

Standard classical set up really. String spacing suggests that the bridge and saddle are a little lower than normal - important to adopt the proper position to avoid top string flying off the fret board. This is forgiveable for the general sound quality. In general Ramirez make guitars that sound wonderful but in my experience are a little harder to play than the general standard. I think this is a trade off & they should know what they are doing by the fifth generation

This guitar has withstood lots of gigging, given the reasonable amount of care/gentleness demanded by any classical guitar I can see no reason why it won't still be giving good service in 100 to 150 years.

Mailed Ramirez once about string recommendations and got a prompt, helpful & polite answer.

30 ish years playing , ten or so seriously.
If it was lost or damaged I would try to afford to replace it, probably with another E1 or R1 (I know my place in the musical hierarchy of the world)

Spanish classical guitar Constructed in 2001, Madrid, Spain.
18 full frets, 12 frets to the upper bout.
All solid tone woods with a Solid western red cedar top, African mahogany back and sides,Spanish cedar neck,ebony fretboard,Fusteros tuners,650 mm,scale length,52 mm nut width.

This guitar is the entry level of the student range and is a perfect starting point(if you have the money) for anyone serious about playing classical music on the nylon 6 string guitar.
The tone is perfect all the way up the fretboard, the volume produced is more than adequate. The sounds this guitar can produce is truly beatiful to hear.

To me the set up seems to be very good, Ive had no problems at all with the string height. The fit and finish is excellent, I especially like the red cedar top, the colour is wonderful to look at.

Ive had this guitar from new in 2002 and it has been used almost every day with no problems at all.

Bought from the Classical guitar centre Birmingham England,no problems at all but if I had any faults with it I am certain it would be remedied.

I have been learning to play for 4 years, I have two other classical guitars, Alambra 3c, Ramundo y arparcio 150.
If this guitar got stolen I would get the 4E the top student model.
I love the sound , the look of the cedar top.
The only room left for improvement would be to fit higher quality tuners along with a bone nut and saddle, I might do this at a later date.
After replacing the strings several times since its purchase the best so far have been Augustine Red, these strings seem to have made a quantum leap so far as I am concerned in the sound quality produced.