Richard Jernigan -> RE: What is your string of choice and why? (Feb. 9 2022 21:21:00)
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In the January, 1982 issue of "Frets" magazine there is an interview with Jose Ramirez III. He details the process of constructing his top of the line instruments, designated "1a" in those days. Different parts of the instrument were made by different individuals, depending upon the skill required. The final assembly was done by one of the designated "oficiales," the highest ranking artisans, except for the foreman of the workshop, who also assembled guitars. Something I had wondered about for a long time, but regretted not asking Felix Manzanero, Manuel Contreras Sr., Paulino Bernabe Sr. or Ramirez himself, was how much freedom the oficial had in thicknessing the top and fan braces, key dimensions in determining the quality of the instrument. All emphasized Ramirez's insistence on adhering to his design. Ramirez says the tops were machined to a standard thickness by other workers, but the final half millimeter or so was determined by the oficial whose initials were on the foot of the neck inside the guitar. No mention is made of final dimensioning of the fan braces, but I suppose that may have been left up to the oficial's judgment as well. Many operations on Ramirez's famous guitars were done by machine, or by less skilled artisans, but the highly critical judgment of top dimension was left to the most skilled. Hand made? ¿Quien sabe?
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