José Ramírez (1858–1923) was a Spanish luthier, the founder of Ramírez Guitars and of the Spanish luthier dynasty who continue to run it. His grandson José Ramírez III was in turn head of the company, and a noted innovator who made significant changes to the classical guitar.
Early life
editRamírez was the first child of José Ramírez de Galarreta, a very well-off land owner. In 1870, he became apprenticed to Francisco Gonzalez (1830–1880). In 1890, he opened his shop in Madrid; Ramírez Guitars would continue to operate from these premises until 1995.
Ramírez' work generally followed the designs of Antonio Torres (1817–1892) in all respects except one: He produced a larger flamenco guitar known as the tablao guitar. Both this innovation and the quality of his guitars generally were favourably received, but he is chiefly remembered as the founder of the dynasty of luthiers and the guitar manufacturing company that still bears his name.
Several other luthiers learned the art of making classical guitars from José Ramírez, inter alia Paulino Bernabe Senior.[1]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Ramírez, Amalia (August 2000). "Inicials [sic] of the disciples of José Ramírez III". José Ramírez. Madrid. Archived from the original on 19 April 2012. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
External links
edit- José Ramirez - Luthier of Classical and Flamanco Guitars briefly describes the contribution made by the family.
- José Ramírez I biography at the Ramírez Guitars website.
 | This Spanish musical biography article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |