Introduction to
Segovia - The Ramirez Years
Segovia first played Ramirez guitars in 1912, up to 1937, when he changed to the German maker Herman Hauser. Then in the early 1960’s he moved back to using Ramirez guitars, with a brand new design called the ‘Tradicional’ Model 1a, an instrument with a longer string length and larger fingerboard, using the then newly discovered Western Red Cedar wood for the soundboard, built specifically for Segovia. 100 years later, legendary British classical guitarist John Mills uses a magnificent guitar of the same design as Segovia’s in an exciting new double CD box set recording and booklet. There is also a series of national and international recitals under the same title. The project has been devised and produced by guitarist Simon Cartwright.
“I love the Segovia – The Ramirez Years project because I think Segovia was so important; I see that many young players and students don’t know about Segovia anymore. He shouldn’t be forgotten. I think that nobody forgets Tarrega so why Segovia? He was such a huge personality that there were many people who did not like that and they wanted to put him in a dark corner. He has been so good for the guitar and everybody should be reminded and respect him. It is wonderful that there are people who are still loving Segovia. One of the things about the Ramirez guitars my father made is that you can always bring out the colours. Our guitars have their own sound but can then adapt to the sound of the player. But I see the fashion is for players to make a very flat sound and play fast but their playing is nothing special. It is very important there are teachers and players like John, because this way the young students learn the Segovia style…..”
Amalia Ramirez
Madrid 2012