The Ramirez dynasty in NYC

Nylon string guitar is also known as “Spanish guitar” for its strong roots in the Spanish culture. And to a music tradition to be alive we also need the instrument-making to be alive. Guitar-making in Spain, in particular in the South of the country, has been among the most popular activities for a long time. And the high-quality instrument makers kept the production as family business. Among the guitar-making families,

there is one that was able to spread their name all over the world and keep it alve for over a century: the Ramirez family. The Ramirez have been making guitars since 1870s inherting the art from the great grandfather José Ramirez I. On the last January 24th, the last guitar master of the dynasty and actual leader of the workshop, Amalia Ramirez, came in NYC for a speech about her family and their tradition, along with her niece Cristina currently studying classical guitar and design and working in the workshop. Many of DalMaestro students attended the event also learning about the evolution in internal construction and rosette-design-making. Everyone was facinated by the event, meeting a renowned guitar-maker and learning from her about our beloved instrument.

In the last four years I have been representing the renown Ramirez Guitar label from Spain, as a USA Teacher Agent. When I was first offered the opportunity I felt honored to represent such a great name in the guitar-making field. And when I was alerted from the Ramirez USA retailer, Gold Tone, that Amalia Ramirez was coming in NYC, I wanted to help creating an occasion for many guitarists to meet her. I made some connections and one of them was successful. The event was hosted by Michael Newman at Mannes College. I had the opportunity to meet Amalia and Cristina for lunch the day after the event. It was an invaluable occasion to meet two wonderful persons, so deeply passioned about their activity and with a truly kind and generous attitude.