Jose Ramirez SP

Made in Spain in 2004. 12 frets to the neck. Red cedar top. Indian Rosewood back and sides. Body deeper under the bridge gradually tapering up to shallower near the neck. This seems to compress the sound waves into a smaller space and ensure that more is projected out from the soundhole. It can certainly be a very loiud guitar if you wish it to. Finish "gomo con laco".Gold plated tuners.

What an extraordinary guitar. The range of tones and expressiveness available to the player are wonderful. From pp to ff and all points in betweeen. A beautiful, subtle and understated elegance. The rosette, designed by Amalia Ramirez, has a kind of genius to it - combines elements of traditional rosette design but very much with a feel of this century, too. The triangular design in the marquetry surrounding the soundhole is a very clever solution to the questions posed by using straight edges to full a round space. But back to the sound - brilliant!

Beautiful set up. Lovely action. Very responsive. Makes it possible for the player to express full potential.

Certainly has excellent projection. Should be heard clearly enough at the back!

Certainly very helpful in the shop. Well informed and transmitted personal knowledge and enthusiasm.

Over thirty years. I have always just liked Ramirez guitars and love this one above all others.

Completely brilliant guitar in terms of tonal colour and range of expression possible. Delicate sounds and nuances if you need them but capable of movement through the dynamic range. Your own orchestra on your lap!An excellent bridge between the studio guitars and the professional models.

One small note - the second reviewer is actually confusing two different guitars. There was an earlier model called an SP which has been discontinued by Ramirez. This is the one he is referring to. The new SP is different again. Further information and clarification can be obtained by visiting the Ramirez website.

Beautiful. Delicate and dynamic.

Exquisite. Almost plays itself!

If you respect it, it should last forever.

I purchased a 2003 Ramirez SP from the Twelfth Fret in Toronto (in my opinion, the greatest guitar store in the world! - but I have only been in 1,345 stores so far) This is a "Semi-Professional" (Ramirez description) classical guitar. I have the cedar top model. The back and sides are Indian Rosewood, the finger board is ebony. It came with a Ramirez hardshell case. There are not a lot of "features" on a concert level classical guitar, except exceptional tone wood, impressive workmanship . . .

I play intermediate+ classical music (Sor, Bach), some popular finger style pieces and some hymns and contemporary Christian music arranged for classical or finger style guitar. The volume of this guitar is HUGE. I used to have a Ramirez R1, which I thought was a pretty good student level guitar. Then I played this guitar. I was hooked! I am currently using Savarez trebles and D'Addario coated basses. I am really impressed by the dynamic range of this instrument. It responds with ease from ppp to fff (if you can do fff on a classical guitar!) I tried the spruce top as well, but my personal preference was the cedar top model.

The set up on this guitar was excellent. There is some "clouding" in the French polish top, but I understand that this is not unusual for this type of finish.

This is a delicate instrument and deserves careful treatement. The top is French polished, which, I am told, scratches easily. Humidity control is a must (especially in cold, dry Canadian winters). Within those parameters, the workmanship and, I am sure, durability etc. are first rate.

I have had no direct dealings with Ramirez. Grant at the 12th Fret (remember, the greatest guitar store in the world) told me to bring it back after about 6 months and he would look it over. I plan to make the trek to Toronto soon to do this, but I have not had any problems so far.

I started playing classical guitar in the 70's, took a break (for 18 years!) and picked it up again about 8 years ago. I also have an electric guitar (Ibanez PM20) and a dreadnaught (1978 Ibanez Concord). I am completely satisfied with my Ramirez SP. I played a number of other guitars in this price range, including some used Ramirez 1A's. This SP really stood out for me. If something ever happened to this guitar I would without hesitation get another one.

Cedar Top, Rosewood back and sides, Ebony fretboard. Easy accurate tuners of nonspecific brand. Neck is aesy in my medium sized hands. Frets are a little sharp on the treble side of the neck. 1992 model (although the web site says released in 2001 and later!!)

Full bass, excellent sustain-silky in response to picking technique. Superb sounding classical guitar

Barre and half barre are easy with no overtones or buzzing. Accurate tuning all the way up the neck.

Frets a little sharp. Clean and well finished apart from this.

I worry so, its treated with kid gloves. A FEW LUMPS (MINOR) IN 12 YEARS SO I GUESS DURABILITY IS NOT A PROBLEM.

Played for 25 years-sold all other gear , not required after playing this.

Compared loads of other classicals up to #3000 and this hit the mark, sound, finish and playability all excellent.