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Models:
Manuel Ramirez 1912, 1890
Hermann Hauser 1952
Antonio De Torres 1864 "La Suprema"
In 1993 I took part in course held in Cordova by Josè Luis Romanillos on the traditional Spanish
school of guitar making. It was then that I began making guitars based on the Manuel Ramirez 1912 which was owned by
Andres Segovia, and which became a point of reference for me.
Manuel Ramirez guitar models
Manuel Ramirez, was 
from late 19th century to early 20th century, one of the most accomplished
guitar makers who followed the techniques and principles of
Antonio De Torres. It is said that having come into possession of some Torres labels,
he made some guitars, claiming they were authentic Torres’ models and only after having earned the
plaudits of the viewing public would he reveal that they were his own work.
Ramirez’ knowledge was also accumulated as a result of important restoration work he had carried
out on many Torres guitars, including the SE 43 of 1893, on which he worked in 1912 and which today
can be seen at the Paris Museum of Music.
Since 1993 I have had the opportunity to view and analyse a number of instruments made by Manuel Ramirez
between 1890 and 1912. 
The guitar I make is based on the 1912 model played by Segovia, but my instruments is a highly
personal interpretation featuring some modifications that have been modified over years of research and work.
 Short scale classical guitar
Another Manuel Ramirez guitar I make is a short scale classical guitar dating from 1890. This copy was first
made whilst a student from Milan’s Civic School of Lutherie was working with me.
The 1912 Manuel Ramirez was also
used as a model by Hermann Hauser 1st  who saw it played during a concert
tour given in Germany by Segovia.
Hauser’s models dating from 1934 and 1937 are really
very similar to Ramirez’ instrument of 1912
I had the opportunity to use a Hauser as a model when I was given
the chance to inspect and analyse at close quarters a guitar of his made in 1952.
This instrument is somewhat larger than the original, its dimensions are more along the
lines of modern day instruments. It produces a silvery, clear tone and has a firm
and dry bass register.
My interest in old instruments has led me to make a guitar based on the
instruments of Antonio De Torres.
 I make a “copy” of the FE 19 guitar known as
“La Suprema” fitted with a tornavoz.
I decided to make a guitar with a tornavoz in order to make a really
sophisticated instrument displaying a variety of characteristic features
that would best enable me to understand the instrument’s acoustic potential.
I always endeavour to “recreate” the sound of 19th and 20th
century guitars, instruments that profoundly influenced the musical aesthetics of
most of the repertoire written for it in the 20th century.
My guitars are all made in a humidity controlled environment
to minimize sudden shrinkage in the woods. I use up to 5 different glues, some
traditional, some synthetic, to achieve the better cohesion possible.
The guitars are French polished with shellac, to produce a varnished effect of smooth
and silky brilliance that gives the wood a completely natural colour and warmth and, what’s more, makes
the sound unbeatable, as it allows the guitar to express the most subtle nuances of timbre.
take a look at how I design the rosette
My instruments are played in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland,
Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, the USA, Canada, Japan, Korea, India and Hong Kong. |
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