1971 José Ramírez 1a – Cedar & Brazilian Rosewood

Not every guitar has a story but this one does.

In 1971, a young woman named Dierdre from San Francisco traveled to Europe with one goal: to buy a great classical guitar. She had the opportunity to purchase a Hauser while in Germany, but her heart was set on a Ramírez. She traveled to Madrid, walked into the Ramírez shop, and selected this very guitar. She then traveled to Mexico City to study classical guitar with a renowned teacher of that era.

Shortly after arriving, Dierdre developed a debilitating condition that left her unable to play. She left Mexico, went to law school, and this guitar was carefully placed in its case where it remained for over 50 years.

When Dierdre no longer a young woman brought the guitar to our shop, we were immediately struck by its voice: deep, powerful basses and singing, luminous trebles. Inside the heel block, the initials "AC" confirm this guitar was built by Alfonso Contreras, one of the most respected makers to work at the Ramírez workshop.

The guitar is in excellent condition. There is one tiny crack on the top, but otherwise it presents beautifully. The French polish finish rare for a Ramírez of this era is intact and gorgeous. Original tuners. Original Ramírez factura (receipt/certificate) included.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime guitar with provenance, voice, and history.