Small correction, the Ramirez belonged to my cousin. I put the headstock back together and replaced the headstock veneer but then he passed away suddenly. I felt that I needed to make the guitar whole again even though he’s gone. When I heard you play it, it was a pretty emotional moment for me. Thanks Ted.
That is an extraordinarily beautiful guitar, and I'm glad for you and your cousin's memory that it will carry on its own life in a condition befitting it. Thank you for letting Ted share it with us. Wow it's beautiful!
I don't work in your profession -- so I'm not competent to offer any advice. That said, I'll share with you that, when filing metal (steel) near delicate finishes, I place a magnet close by. Less likely to work itself under any protective barrier.
A tip from a machinist: When measuring height with a caliper don't use the "stick" if at all avoidable - that is for narrow holes. Instead turn it around and use the two flat, ground surfaces at the top! This is the fourth pair of measuring surfaces on calipers that few people use, the irony is that technically this is the best way to get a good measurement from them!
I got to see Segovia in concert in 1973 when I was 10 years old. Even as young as I was I was amazed. Near the conclusion he did some two hand tapping and it brought the house down.
I was fortunate enough to see Segovia in Cardiff at the St Davids Concert hall when he was already in his 90s. The first half of his performance was not perfect. He was old and kept stopping when he made an error, or to retune, but it was still amazing to see such a legend. Then, after the intermission, he returned and performed the most breathtaking performance on a guitar that I have ever seen or heard live by a human being. It was as if the first half was a warm up and now he was completely let loose, everything was note perfect and spellbinding. He died a few years later so I was so privileged - as was the entire audience - to get to witness a true maestro and genius in concert, still performing at a level of artistry on the instrument he pretty much invented and set the standards for all who followed.
I can remember driving thru DC area traffic to get to my music theory class and hearing the local all-news station start playing classical guitar music. My first thought was, "What, did Segovia just die?!??!" and sure enough, "Classical guitar master Andres Segovia just passed away..." Drove the rest of the way to class crying.
The rosette alone speaks of expensive guitar - I've seen videos of people making rosettes like the one on this guitar - talk about labor intensive..Thankfully I've been very happy with my 1984 Yamaha CG-3A, but I don't even attempt to make a living at playing a guitar LOL. Thanks for sharing this lovely guitar with us.
Saw Segovia in the 70s ! Packed Jones Hall in Houston. Amazing but also amazing how loud. He stopped twice for coughing ,second time told person to get out!
Dear God, hear my prayer...I have attended the twdfrd seminars on Sunday more than I've attended church .Please don't send me to hell. Rather I will be happy to polish the pearly white gates for eternity as penance.Polishing, polishing...
I recently did this to a mid ‘70s Masaru Matano classical and I’ll be honest, I only did it this way because I couldn’t see any other way to bring both the action down and the saddle up from near zero. I was lucky that the fretboard was close to 7mm at the nut and was similar to the Ramirez with the falloff starting around the 10th fret or so. I also installed a slightly higher fret to help the end result. While I’m very happy with the result I’m all the more so knowing I unwittingly did what a pro would have done to solve the issue.
It’s interesting that you mention the higher frets. I was just wondering whether that was an option to address a high action. Seems like a less invasive solution than steaming the neck off or doing a ninja reset!
@@herrrmike I wouldn’t think that alone would buy you much. The frets I went with were just shy of .020” taller. So the extra height was a very small part of the bigger effort.
I remember back in the late '70s reading in Guitar Player magazine a quote from A.S. when asked about quality guitars he answered the best ones are the ones with orange tops which spawned a whole new market for the cheap cheap manufactures . The only other thing I remember him saying was if you take the top off of an Ovarian you have a punch bowl .
Another beautiful tale from the master. Glad to see this Ramirez get a new lease on life; I had a Ramirez back in the 70s when I was studying at the Conservatory. It was a very special guitar and every time I played an exam or recital, they would come peering into the soundhole to see who was the maker. I scored highest mark in the province (Ontario) in 75 or 76 on that Ramirez. Wonder where it is now? I still have that little silver medal the Conservatory awarded me.
Amazing historical lecture, sir. Thank you. I saw Andrés Segovia in 1979 at the Ford Auditorium in Detroit. My friend and I had the last two seats in the last row of the very farthest corner of the highest balcony. Segovia, quite elderly, came out with his guitar, sat on a chair - no mics or sound system at all - and we heard EVERY SINGLE NOTE!
I owned a 1967 Ramirez 1A for years. An amazing guitar but for many of the reasons you mention and my aging stiffening fingers I traded it of lesser (but excellent by most standards) guitar. The new owner ran a high end classical guitar business. His plan was to have the fingerboard removed and a full length shim fit under it much like I've seen you do with fingerboard extensions. I never found out how it worked out.
Like all the very best guitars, you can hear that Ramirez resonating to Ted's voice. I had the pleasure of a recording session once with a Contreras from the early 60's, and what struck me was the sheer willingness of free resonance - that guitar was basically a sympathetic reverb for every sound in the room; remarkable. Great work Ted.
Saw Segovia when I was a really little kid in the 60's in San Diego. All I can remember is him sitting on a raised platform in the center of the audience and everyone standing and giving ovations. Dad played his records all the time. Personally, I can't even play on those zero radius fingerboards, it's like a different instrument and I end up perplexed and frustrated.
The depth & breadth of your knowledge is very impressive - especially of the instrument history! That´s before you even open your tool kit! I live in Madrid - so thank you for the history lesson!! You´re the BESTEST Mt Ted! Right - Time for my siesta - its the LAW here!
The first time I noticed the name Ramirez was during the "And I Love Her" sequence in "A Hard Day's Night" with a close up of George's hands playing the solo.
Im certainly no guitarist and no luthier, but I really enjoy the history & your work. Personally, I never miss an episode & I thank you for the work involved to put out a video. I used to have a 70's Yamaha & tried playing that. Finally gave it to someone that could make it sing like it was supposed to.
This was the brand of guitar I learned on. I remember my teacher telling me it was a pretty nice guitar. Haven't thought of it in 35 years. Thanks for a trip down memory lane.
Musicians like as many genres as non musicians and like to play all sorts. Your favourite player, probably plays totally different music when not on stage
Very interesting fix. You considered so much. The instrument, history, customer, playability... everything. The fret board adjustment wouldn't have crossed my mind. I would have been lost. Super cool to see a method that's working for this one. Nice job as always.
Thanks for another wonderful and instructive video, Ted. One small observation: one of the main reasons the action is typically high on classical guitars has to do not only with aggressive strumming (as you illustrate) but how one gets the most sound out of the string, even with single notes. If you've been around classical guitarists at all (and let's face it, a little can go a long way) you may hear them obsess about the rest stroke (or apoyando). That is indeed an important technique for bringing out a melody or even an individual pitch, but the reason it is effective is because it moves the string down toward the face of the instrument. That impulse is then transmitted directly to the bridge. (Anyone who is in doubt about this should just compare the sound created by moving the string parallel to the top with moving it down toward the top.) In truth, proper technique on a classical guitar is always moving the string that way (rest stroke or not); thus the need for a higher action.
I’m not a player but I love music and instruments. I have been to Spain three times. We went through many churches, museums, gardens and Hemingway hangouts. Ate some great hamon, tapas, pintxos & paella. But I never knew or learned about Spain’s history of guitar making and musicians. Thanks Ted!
I grew up with a guy who was going to Berkeley music collage. He had one of those a couple of years older than that one. It was a amazing guitar and i was fortunate to play it several times. He taped me playing on the fly making up a song as i went. He was a amazing player yet that was his favorite recording, wonderful guitar
Having just discovered (for myself) your channel, I enjoyed every moment. Your relaxed style is soothing, like the gentleman on the "Wristwatch Revival" channel. I will be delighted to watch more of your videos. 😎
Another outstanding video. I'm not a big fan of classical guitars "to play" but do like their sound. I have a @ "1963" Gibson C1 and I can't believe how loud, and resonant that guitar is. I can only imagine what that thing sounds like in hand and not through TH-cam's compressions.
I have a Ramirez 1a from 1973. It is an 8-string classical guitar. Bought it off The Heritage Auction for $750 with a Mark Leaf case. The poor guitar had had a rough life. Someone had strung up the D string with a wound steel string with a ballend. The rosette was separating from the top and part of it was sunken. It had a big crack that did not go through the top and was in the lacquer. I pulled off the old strings, cleaned it up and put it aside. It had a musty smell of an old T-shirt. Big mistake I made, I thought. One year later, I pulled it out of its case; the rosette had reseated itself and was now flush with the top. The lacquer crack had almost healed itself and was now nearly invisible. The musty old smell was gone; in its place an aroma of spicy cedar and rosewood, like a cigar humidor. I strung it up and it was none the worse for the wear that it had gone through. It is a good sounding guitar with that characteristic Ramirez Spanish sound much like what I heard in your video demonstration of the 1a you repaired. I can't put a dollar value on it. I guess it would not put a very good player to shame. Still a competent good sounding guitar that one could use for a performance. No concertising artiste today seems to play a Ramirez any longer. More's the pity.
Another beautiful video Ted - I've watched them all ! This one was absolutely fascinating mainly because it was the type of guitar I saw a true master play at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester, England in 1974. I was ten years old and it's the only classical guitar concert I've ever been to. The performer ? Andrés Segovia. Incredible.
Ramirez was my 2nd guitar i got back in 1974. To be honest, i couldn't realy admire the quality of the instrument back then. Now i would be proud and happy still owing it, but i traded it for a steel string Maccaferri Django Style guitar in 1979, wich i still own. Sitting in a corner of my living room almost not playable due a very high action. Thank you for all of your great content, keep going!
@@tompaul2591 Hi Tom, this is good question i asked myself when i wrote that comment. I'm far over 60 years now and i don't play in bands anymore so i don't know if it's worth the effort and money. I own about 9 guitars so it's no problem if i want to play. That Django guitar will stay with me, playable or not, due strong sentimental reasons. Take care and best wishes from Bavaria Germany 🇩🇪
That was a remarkable repair. Your story on the history of the brand and Segovia was new to me and felt like a masterclass ;-). I hope somebody with the right skills will be able to play it one day to appreciate its herintance. I mean not only for the (previous) owner, but also for the makers.
I heard Segovia in the early 80’s at the University of Connecticut. Big auditorium, no amplification. Luckily we were sort of near him. It’s interesting that they used polyurethane on this guitar, especially since it’s kind of disdained by a lot of players these days in favor of lacquer. It sounds wonderful. You have nerves of steel.
There’s a lot of placebo effect in finishes (assuming they’re applied correctly). The only obvious benefit of lacquer vs. poly is the way it wears, which is a good thing to some people and a bad thing to others.
Small correction, the Ramirez belonged to my cousin. I put the headstock back together and replaced the headstock veneer but then he passed away suddenly. I felt that I needed to make the guitar whole again even though he’s gone. When I heard you play it, it was a pretty emotional moment for me. Thanks Ted.
That is an extraordinarily beautiful guitar, and I'm glad for you and your cousin's memory that it will carry on its own life in a condition befitting it. Thank you for letting Ted share it with us. Wow it's beautiful!
Beautiful emotionally, and very impressive for both you and Ted.
Ted did a beautiful job on it. I hope it continues to make music for many years to come!
The Guitar totally Rocks
I could not think of a better person to entrust this beautiful guitar to than T Woodford
I don't work in your profession -- so I'm not competent to offer any advice. That said, I'll share with you that, when filing metal (steel) near delicate finishes, I place a magnet close by. Less likely to work itself under any protective barrier.
A tip from a machinist: When measuring height with a caliper don't use the "stick" if at all avoidable - that is for narrow holes. Instead turn it around and use the two flat, ground surfaces at the top!
This is the fourth pair of measuring surfaces on calipers that few people use, the irony is that technically this is the best way to get a good measurement from them!
I got to see Segovia in concert in 1973 when I was 10 years old. Even as young as I was I was amazed. Near the conclusion he did some two hand tapping and it brought the house down.
I was fortunate enough to see Segovia in Cardiff at the St Davids Concert hall when he was already in his 90s. The first half of his performance was not perfect. He was old and kept stopping when he made an error, or to retune, but it was still amazing to see such a legend. Then, after the intermission, he returned and performed the most breathtaking performance on a guitar that I have ever seen or heard live by a human being. It was as if the first half was a warm up and now he was completely let loose, everything was note perfect and spellbinding. He died a few years later so I was so privileged - as was the entire audience - to get to witness a true maestro and genius in concert, still performing at a level of artistry on the instrument he pretty much invented and set the standards for all who followed.
I can remember driving thru DC area traffic to get to my music theory class and hearing the local all-news station start playing classical guitar music. My first thought was, "What, did Segovia just die?!??!" and sure enough, "Classical guitar master Andres Segovia just passed away..." Drove the rest of the way to class crying.
Wow, that must have been amazing to see Segovia.
Episodes with historical deep dives are my favorite.
I wish there was a button for double thumbs up!
Best part of my Sunday is when the twoodford notification pops up!!
Oooo! Time for Guitar Church! 🙏🏼
@Marvin Jerew I've always thought of it as 'Guitar Porn'...
The rosette alone speaks of expensive guitar - I've seen videos of people making rosettes like the one on this guitar - talk about labor intensive..Thankfully I've been very happy with my 1984 Yamaha CG-3A, but I don't even attempt to make a living at playing a guitar LOL. Thanks for sharing this lovely guitar with us.
Saw Segovia in the 70s ! Packed Jones Hall in Houston. Amazing but also amazing how loud. He stopped twice for coughing ,second time told person to get out!
You working at lee valley makes so much sense. Another hint in the history of the man himself
Just want everyone to realize that each one of these presentations is university quality instruction.
👍🙏✌️
Greetings from the sunny climes of Basle, Switzerland
Dear God, hear my prayer...I have attended the twdfrd seminars on Sunday more than I've attended church .Please don't send me to hell. Rather I will be happy to polish the pearly white gates for eternity as penance.Polishing, polishing...
🕊
And there's gotta be some harps that need repairing.
Thank you for making these videos and not asking me to “smash the ‘like’ button.” I do it for you cause you don’t ask.
I recently did this to a mid ‘70s Masaru Matano classical and I’ll be honest, I only did it this way because I couldn’t see any other way to bring both the action down and the saddle up from near zero. I was lucky that the fretboard was close to 7mm at the nut and was similar to the Ramirez with the falloff starting around the 10th fret or so. I also installed a slightly higher fret to help the end result. While I’m very happy with the result I’m all the more so knowing I unwittingly did what a pro would have done to solve the issue.
It’s interesting that you mention the higher frets. I was just wondering whether that was an option to address a high action. Seems like a less invasive solution than steaming the neck off or doing a ninja reset!
@@herrrmike I wouldn’t think that alone would buy you much. The frets I went with were just shy of .020” taller. So the extra height was a very small part of the bigger effort.
Thirty minutes well spent. Beautiful guitar.
Another well taught lesson in guitar building and repair and life. 😎✌🏼
I remember back in the late '70s reading in Guitar Player magazine a quote from A.S. when asked about quality guitars he answered the best ones are the ones with orange tops which spawned a whole new market for the cheap cheap manufactures .
The only other thing I remember him saying was if you take the top off of an Ovarian you have a punch bowl .
@ahg1358 Do you mean an Ovation...?
This show is awesome. I didn't even care about guitar repair until I saw this show, now I'm fascinated. Even the simple stuff is cool to see.
I am blown away by how much of this history you know. Seriously.
Another beautiful tale from the master. Glad to see this Ramirez get a new lease on life; I had a Ramirez back in the 70s when I was studying at the Conservatory. It was a very special guitar and every time I played an exam or recital, they would come peering into the soundhole to see who was the maker. I scored highest mark in the province (Ontario) in 75 or 76 on that Ramirez. Wonder where it is now? I still have that little silver medal the Conservatory awarded me.
I love the sensitivity of your repairs and restorations.
Amazing historical lecture, sir. Thank you.
I saw Andrés Segovia in 1979 at the Ford Auditorium in Detroit. My friend and I had the last two seats in the last row of the very farthest corner of the highest balcony. Segovia, quite elderly, came out with his guitar, sat on a chair - no mics or sound system at all - and we heard EVERY SINGLE NOTE!
algorithming
algorithming
. . .
algorithming
In my coutry it was legal to "physicaly discipline" an apprentice until 1937..
You’ll come for the repair video. You’ll bring popcorn for the history. 😉
Thanks for the story. And the content in general.
I owned a 1967 Ramirez 1A for years. An amazing guitar but for many of the reasons you mention and my aging stiffening fingers I traded it of lesser (but excellent by most standards) guitar. The new owner ran a high end classical guitar business. His plan was to have the fingerboard removed and a full length shim fit under it much like I've seen you do with fingerboard extensions. I never found out how it worked out.
"I'm not an accomplished player on the classical guitar"... plays it beautifully! Maybe not Segovia, but definitely shows off the guitar!
Ted I’ve watched 95% of your videos, loved them all but this Ramirez is the best sounding guitar of all of them. Keep up the great work.
Thank you so much for the history lesson at the beginning
Like all the very best guitars, you can hear that Ramirez resonating to Ted's voice. I had the pleasure of a recording session once with a Contreras from the early 60's, and what struck me was the sheer willingness of free resonance - that guitar was basically a sympathetic reverb for every sound in the room; remarkable. Great work Ted.
Even my relatively humble Yamaha GC55 had this same quality. Sadly, it was stolen from me.
@@promerops Ah, that's too bad 😥 I rate Yamaha very highly, always good instruments.
My father an I each have 1970's Suzuki Violin Co. cedar classicals, and now I see where the design comes from.
This instrument is a museum piece . In the right hands it comes alive . Great Video's . I would like to hear Yngwie Malmsteen playing this guitar .
Saw Segovia when I was a really little kid in the 60's in San Diego. All I can remember is him sitting on a raised platform in the center of the audience and everyone standing and giving ovations. Dad played his records all the time. Personally, I can't even play on those zero radius fingerboards, it's like a different instrument and I end up perplexed and frustrated.
no worries , , he was an asshole and nobody cares about him or his talent anymore . . fitting .
That guitar sounds just gorgeous. Thank you very much.
A beautiful sounding guitar………!
Superb work!
Thanks a lot. That operation, that's what I always wanted to see (an get instructed).
I love the natural reverb that is coming out of that.
I love how resonant, yet pronounced the notes sound. Beautiful guitar. Great job, Ted.
Amazing sound! The clarity and volume of the high E way up the neck is incredible.
The depth & breadth of your knowledge is very impressive - especially of the instrument history! That´s before you even open your tool kit! I live in Madrid - so thank you for the history lesson!! You´re the BESTEST Mt Ted!
Right - Time for my siesta - its the LAW here!
The first time I noticed the name Ramirez was during the "And I Love Her" sequence in "A Hard Day's Night" with a close up of George's hands playing the solo.
Im certainly no guitarist and no luthier, but I really enjoy the history & your work. Personally, I never miss an episode & I thank you for the work involved to put out a video. I used to have a 70's Yamaha & tried playing that. Finally gave it to someone that could make it sing like it was supposed to.
Me also!
Ted is fantastic.
Hands down that’s the finest sounding guitar I’ve heard on this channel ❤️❤️❤️
Gorgeous guitar in the hands of an impeccable luthier. Bravo! 👍👍
Nice job, Ted. Always dreamed of owning a Ramirez.
Wow. Even on a low quality mic the resonance sounds like reverb! That’s nuts.
Great craftsmanship to lower the action so much on that complex neck by resurfacing it
!! jeesoos christ , this channel is a Unique Gem !!
Those were definitely some nice sounds at the end 😊
This was the brand of guitar I learned on. I remember my teacher telling me it was a pretty nice guitar. Haven't thought of it in 35 years. Thanks for a trip down memory lane.
I'm pretty sure I now have a master's degree in something.
I'm not sure what, exactly, but I show 'nuf am feelin' the smartlies!
Oh baby this guitar sounds amazing. Got me all tingly from the first note. Can only imagine how it sounds in an amphitheater in the hands of of a pro.
That thing sounds absurdly good.
I imagine that guitar smells great as well, besides looking and sounding excellent.
Great video - packed with great advice for someone like me, who is learning how to fix up my own steel stringed instruments.
That's the best playing I've heard you do
Such a Great guitar and craftsman!
Great video!!!
Nice history lesson.
One of the amazing things about Ted to me is how many music genre he can play. Nice work Ted. Nice pickin' too.
Musicians like as many genres as non musicians and like to play all sorts. Your favourite player, probably plays totally different music when not on stage
the way you explain has helped me make thousands in repairs. thanks buddy, good video.
that rosette is absolutely fantastic
...and my classical guitar teacher told me Segovia's hands were small with short fingers... That wily rascal...
If you look up some of the videos that are on TH-cam, you can clearly see Segovia had very large hands with thick fingers..
Your videos are consistently excellent and useful. The historical perspective just adds another layer of richness. Thanks much for all you do.
Very interesting fix. You considered so much. The instrument, history, customer, playability... everything.
The fret board adjustment wouldn't have crossed my mind. I would have been lost.
Super cool to see a method that's working for this one.
Nice job as always.
This is one of your best videos.
As usual just sublime, thanks Ted. These videos I could watch all day. Thanks again
Simply, a joy to watch.
Yep, I needed this video a week ago. Thank you again!
Another excellent video Ted. Thanks for putting these out.
Even with my big hands I think I'd struggle with the size of that neck! Massive! Though my baseball bat neck Gibson was big!
Thanks for another wonderful and instructive video, Ted. One small observation: one of the main reasons the action is typically high on classical guitars has to do not only with aggressive strumming (as you illustrate) but how one gets the most sound out of the string, even with single notes. If you've been around classical guitarists at all (and let's face it, a little can go a long way) you may hear them obsess about the rest stroke (or apoyando). That is indeed an important technique for bringing out a melody or even an individual pitch, but the reason it is effective is because it moves the string down toward the face of the instrument. That impulse is then transmitted directly to the bridge. (Anyone who is in doubt about this should just compare the sound created by moving the string parallel to the top with moving it down toward the top.) In truth, proper technique on a classical guitar is always moving the string that way (rest stroke or not); thus the need for a higher action.
I’m not a player but I love music and instruments. I have been to Spain three times. We went through many churches, museums, gardens and Hemingway hangouts. Ate some great hamon, tapas, pintxos & paella. But I never knew or learned about Spain’s history of guitar making and musicians. Thanks Ted!
Most amazing sounding instrument I’ve heard on this channel.
I grew up with a guy who was going to Berkeley music collage. He had one of those a couple of years older than that one. It was a amazing guitar and i was fortunate to play it several times. He taped me playing on the fly making up a song as i went. He was a amazing player yet that was his favorite recording, wonderful guitar
Even on my phone this guitar sounds great
Good lord this thing sounds fantastic.
I love the history lessons of the guitars. Thanks for letting us into your shop.
Ted. You gotta Kung Fu the 1A! COME ON! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I own a Manuel Rodriguez classical guitar but very recently had chance to play a Ramirez and it was a world of difference!
Man your videos are priceless, so cool to see an incredibly experienced luthier do his thing no matter what the situation calls for
Was hoping for a little Ennio Morricone there at the end. As always, fantastic work Ted!
Love the sound of this one! 💛
Having just discovered (for myself) your channel, I enjoyed every moment. Your relaxed style is soothing, like the gentleman on the "Wristwatch Revival" channel. I will be delighted to watch more of your videos. 😎
I just adore your content man. History, wood working, problem solving... it's perfectly suited to my interests. Many thanks!
Another outstanding video. I'm not a big fan of classical guitars "to play" but do like their sound. I have a @ "1963" Gibson C1 and I can't believe how loud, and resonant that guitar is. I can only imagine what that thing sounds like in hand and not through TH-cam's compressions.
The sound!! OMG beautiful
I have a Ramirez 1a from 1973. It is an 8-string classical guitar. Bought it off The Heritage Auction for $750 with a Mark Leaf case. The poor guitar had had a rough life. Someone had strung up the D string with a wound steel string with a ballend. The rosette was separating from the top and part of it was sunken. It had a big crack that did not go through the top and was in the lacquer. I pulled off the old strings, cleaned it up and put it aside. It had a musty smell of an old T-shirt. Big mistake I made, I thought. One year later, I pulled it out of its case; the rosette had reseated itself and was now flush with the top. The lacquer crack had almost healed itself and was now nearly invisible. The musty old smell was gone; in its place an aroma of spicy cedar and rosewood, like a cigar humidor. I strung it up and it was none the worse for the wear that it had gone through. It is a good sounding guitar with that characteristic Ramirez Spanish sound much like what I heard in your video demonstration of the 1a you repaired. I can't put a dollar value on it. I guess it would not put a very good player to shame. Still a competent good sounding guitar that one could use for a performance. No concertising artiste today seems to play a Ramirez any longer. More's the pity.
Another beautiful video Ted - I've watched them all ! This one was absolutely fascinating mainly because it was the type of guitar I saw a true master play at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester, England in 1974. I was ten years old and it's the only classical guitar concert I've ever been to. The performer ? Andrés Segovia. Incredible.
Ramirez was my 2nd guitar i got back in 1974. To be honest, i couldn't realy admire the quality of the instrument back then. Now i would be proud and happy still owing it, but i traded it for a steel string Maccaferri Django Style guitar in 1979, wich i still own. Sitting in a corner of my living room almost not playable due a very high action.
Thank you for all of your great content, keep going!
Would you ever pay to have the neck reset if that's the problem?
@@tompaul2591
Hi Tom, this is good question i asked myself when i wrote that comment. I'm far over 60 years now and i don't play in bands anymore so i don't know if it's worth the effort and money. I own about 9 guitars so it's no problem if i want to play. That Django guitar will stay with me, playable or not, due strong sentimental reasons.
Take care and best wishes from Bavaria Germany 🇩🇪
@@TheElrondo verstehe! Ich kann Deutsch. Ihr Englisch ist sehr gut! Ich spiele Gitarre auch.
That was a remarkable repair. Your story on the history of the brand and Segovia was new to me and felt like a masterclass ;-). I hope somebody with the right skills will be able to play it one day to appreciate its herintance. I mean not only for the (previous) owner, but also for the makers.
@twoodfrd Is this for real or was your account hacked/misuded? Funny things are happeniig lately.
"I'm definitely not the person to demonstrate this guitar" proceeds to play with feeling and emotion . . . I'd say well done!
That sounded noticeably rich and nuanced, even over compressed digital audio.
Thanks as always for your instructive and oddly relaxing videos.
Very enjoyable and informative content Sir
Excellent episode. Wonderful journey thru to beautiful sounding guitar. The clarity!
I heard Segovia in the early 80’s at the University of Connecticut. Big auditorium, no amplification. Luckily we were sort of near him. It’s interesting that they used polyurethane on this guitar, especially since it’s kind of disdained by a lot of players these days in favor of lacquer. It sounds wonderful. You have nerves of steel.
There’s a lot of placebo effect in finishes (assuming they’re applied correctly). The only obvious benefit of lacquer vs. poly is the way it wears, which is a good thing to some people and a bad thing to others.
You are a master! Thank You.
You are a brave man, sir!