Career

Ramírez 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. Several other luthiers learned the art of making classical guitars from José Ramírez, inter alia Paulino Bernabe Senior.

Achievements

• 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.