1957 Ramirez Classical Studio Guitar

by ken jones
( long beach)

1957 Ramirez Classical Studio Guitar

Hi...per the attached pictures is my Ramirez guitar that I bought at an estate sale so I have little provenance. I am interested in selling the guitar but have received conflicting thoughts on the value. I originally took it to a very well known guitar shop and the guitar tech was very familiar with the company and guitar (lived in spain for many years)...he suggested a price of over $1000.00. He seemed to have no problem the guitar was from 1957 as stated by the sticker. Then I contacted a guitar dealer on the east coast and he and his friend basically slammed the guitar as a later 1960's edition not even made in the Ramirez shop and thought 200-400. Needless to say, I am confused as I want to sell the guitar but certainly want to do so with due diligence. Any thoughts greatly appreciated. Guitar tech said cedar top and solid indian rosewood sides and back.

Thanks

Ken Jones

ANSWER

Hi, Ken--

It is not surprising that you are getting conflicting reports. Even the Blue Book does not provide detailed information on the models of Ramirez guitars.

The only way to determine the year of manufacture is the serial number and reliable records of serial numbers for these guitars seem to be unavailable.

The type of wood may indicate that the guitar is an "R" series studio guitar.

Here is what the Ramirez guitar site says:

ALL MODELS ARE BUILT WITH SOLID RED CEDAR TOP AND 650 mm STRING LENGTH.

R1 - Red cedar top, African mahogany sides and back, ebony fingerboard.

R2 - Red cedar top, Indian rosewood sides and back (larninated back), ebony fingerboard.

R4 - Red cedar top, solid Indian rosewood sides and back, ebony fingerboard.

Here is the extent of the info from the Blue Book:

The R Series feature guitars ranging in price from $1,659 to $3,299.

You might be able to track the guitar down by using this contact info:

U.S. Distributor: Tornavoz Music
1455 19th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90404
www.tornavozmusic.com
310-586-1180 (phone)

Sorry I could not be more specific, but pricing these guitars has always been and continues to be very difficult.

Lynne