As we have never kept a register of labels, excepting those numbered from 1967 onwards, the dates during which different designs have been used are impossible to determine.
There will be gaps In the following document, in so far as there are labels in existence which do not figure here. Also, some of the dates may not be exact (although they are not far out) especially in the case of those used by José Ramírez I and the early days of José Ramírez II. The end of his time coincided with the beginning of that of José Ramírez III, who was the first to number and sign the labels. My brother José Ramírez IV and I have continued to use the labels designed by my father.
The following information has been compiled by Miguel Martiínez, the oldest serving member of this company. Although he is now retired, he continues to offer his memories and knowledge of the traditions of this guitar making family.
Labels dating from mid-1967 to present day
Ordinary Studio Labels
This label, described earlier, is still used.
The additional label “inspected, checked and adjusted by Casa Ramírez” on a white background with blue typeface and borders. Used for inexpensive student guitars sold from shops, under the label with blue lettering.
This supplementary note was added to the label in 2006.
Studio Labels designed by JR III
Size 58 x 85 mm. In about 1986 we started to sell studio guitars completely designed by JR III and in order to distinguish them from the "Fine Studio" guitars, not designed by JR III, we created a new label, based on nº8, but a different colour. The background is light gray with a thick red line around it. To differentiate between the two different studio lines, in some you can read: "Guitarra de estudio" (Studio Guitar) and in others: "Guitarra de conservatorio" (Conservatory Guitar). Apart from this difference, the labels are the same.
La faldilla se incluye en el año 2006
Labels for Handmade Guitars
Halfway through 1967 we added an extra space to label nº 9. This space contains the registry number of the guitar, and the signature of José Ramírez III. Below his signature, we manually added the class classification of the guitar - 1º or 2º- as explained in reference to label nº 10. The golden edged label nº 10, for second class guitars, disappeared. The size of the label is 83 x 100 mm.
Labels for Second Class (2ª) Guitars
In a period when the possibility of buying top quality wood, at any price, was very difficult, José Ramírez III created a label for guitars built without the standards of wood that he would have wished. These labels are like nº 12, but the background is light gray, and there is a red line around the main body of the label. Beneath the main label, in the additional space where the signature goes, the number two can be seen.
We stopped using this label in 1988.
Centenario Guitar Labels
In 1979, three years before the centenary of Ramírez, José Ramírez III created this commemoration model. The label he designed for this guitar is similar to the one normally used (Nº 12), but has significant differences.
A parchment style card is used, instead of paper. The letters of the name are not shaded - a characteristic in other labels - and all the letters are in a glossy black.
Elite Guitar Labels
This label is like nº 12, but - as in the "Centenario", the letters of the name are not shaded and all the letters are in a glossy black.
Acoustic Guitar Labels
We started to use them in 1981, with the construction of the first guitars of this type. The design, in so far as the lines and the type and colour of the letters is the same as nº 12, but the background colour is red.
Model 86
In 1986 JR III designed a guitar with an exclusive shaft-length of 650 mm. To distinguish it, this sticker was added to the normal label nº 12.
Models with Cutaway and nylon cords
The French guitarist Marcel Dadí participated in some of the external details of this guitar. JR III put this small sticker as a mark of recognition of his disinterested collaboration.
Model SP
A guitar of very recent creation (2003), named the SP (Semi Professional) Model. One should not mistake it for a studio model, also named SP, which was designed by José Ramírez IV in 1990. It was constructed in his own workshop, and was a prototype of the Special Professional model put on sale in 1991,and of which only a few examples are in existence.
Modelo GH
The rounded blue label, which was first used in 2003, is used under a small label with a white background with blue borders and lettering, denoting the model, year and serial number.
Label for student guitars for sale in shops
Satin paper, white background, navy blue ink.
The words “Student Guitars” are clearly visible on the upper part of the label.
Dimensions 55 x 83 mm.
These are still in use today.
This label replaced nº 5 on the date referred to in 1957.
The additional label was included in 2006.
Label for the 125th Anniversary Series student model
Designed in commemoration of the 125th anniversary of the foundation of the firm.
A limited 5-year production series between January 2007 and December 2011.
Light grey background, green bordering, black lettering.
Label for the Anniversary Guitar
Fine wood veneer with sepia engraved lettering.
This model was introduced in 2007 and a limited series of only 125 instruments will be made.