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1966 Jose Ramirez Concert Classical
Jose Ramirez (with initials C-LL)
This superb instrument was made at probably the height of the Ramirez family's achievements in guitar making by Carmelo Llerena Martinez in the Ramirez shop. It is truly unique in this way: Its original owner, Christopher Parkening, chose this guitar from among hundreds of Ramirez 1A guitars. In an intense session with fellow artist Julian Bream in Chicago, Illinois, crews of assistants tuned guitars and handed them to Christopher Parkening one at a time. Annetta and I were at his home some time ago, when he showed us his brief audition piece for selecting (and eliminating) guitars that worked for him -- or didn't.

About this guitar, Mr. Parkening said, "...This instrument was one of my concert guitars, personally chosen from hundreds of Ramirez guitars and used in performance by me throughout the United States and Canada, playing solo concerts as well as many orchestral concerts, in particular, Joaquin Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez. This is a classic example of the warm Spanish character so famously demonstrated by the Ramirez family's instruments, and in those guitars made in this period, under the supervision of the great master luthier Jose Ramirez III. The scale length, as you would expect, correctly measures 667mm."

The cedar top bears the wear of Mr. Parkening's playing style and many concerts with this guitar over the years. It is warm, rich, and full of many performances yet to come. The fiery, clear trebles are what separates this particular guitar from so many other Ramirez 1A guitars--even those made the same year! The way the woods, glue, and finish came together in this instrument make it pop out to the ear. It is exceptional in tone. The Spanish cedar neck is full-bodied and the Brazilian Rosewood back and sides are classically beautiful.

The guitar is in excellent shape for its vintage. The vast audience that its former owner has and still garners today guarantees Mr. Parkening a permanent place in classical music history. The fact that Mr. Parkening has sold only a handful of guitars in all his career will make this a rare acquisition for its next caretaker. This particular guitar was played in concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. See the photo gallery for some shots of that event. Mr Parkening holds and plays this guitar in all photos shown. It is a premium instrument from a world famous concert artist--for which a premium is being charged. We would not be surprised to see this instrument rise smartly in value over time.

$34,000 with provenance provided
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