I'm an intermediate guitar player gravitating more and more towards classical and flamenco guitar. I have a great Yamaha classical guitar that I started off with. I then graduated to a Kremona Solea, which is a fine instrument which Geoff also sells. I felt it was time to progress to the next level, and get myself a Spanish-made classical guitar to accompany on my next levels of progression.
I've had my eye a Jose Ramirez for a long time due to their obvious reputation. I chose an Estudio 3. Then, I set out to find one. XGuitars quickly came up. I spent time on the site reading review after review of the great service Geoff provides, and I knew this was the place I wanted to get my Jose Ramirez.
I provide Geoff information on where I was in my music career and where I wanted to go, particularly in the classical and flemenco styles (trust me, I will not be doing rasqueados on my Estuiod 3, don't panic ;-), that's a different guitar). Geoff was very helpful and responsive, and provided excellent assistance, even guiding me to a different guitar for the flamenco side based on my goals.
I received my Estudio 3 a few days early to my surprise. It is a beautiful instrument in both sound and appearance. I can easily tell the big differences going from the Yamaha to the Kremona to the Jose Ramirez. It has a very sweet warm tone, and is very easy and nice to play.
They say that the the best guitar you can buy is one you'll fall in love with. I've fallen for this guitar, and I thank Geoff for being the match maker. :-)
So far, so good! Very satisfied.
Had a nice telephone conversation with Geoff about my capabilities and what I wanted in a new guitar. We both agreed that the Ramirez Estudio 3 Cedar Classical Guitar would fit my requirements for tone, playability and future musiical growth. I am happy to have purchased from Geoff and xguitars. The process was seamless (with Geoff getting the instrument out very fast.) The shipping was on time. The guitar is beautiful in looks and tone. As a matter of fact, after waiting 6 hours for the instrument to equilibrate to my house temperature, I tuned it to concert pitch. My wife, who is hard of hearing, immediately heard the huge difference between the Ramirez Estudio 3 Cedar Classical Guitar and my old guitar and commented as to how lovely it sounds. I have had it for 12 days now, and it only gets better. I am looking forward to exploring the tonal landscape of this beautiful instrument. If I need another guitar, I will give geoff and xguitars.com another call.
This guitar has taken my music to the next level. Highly recommended for any lover of classical Spanish music.
With any online purchase of such a high quality instrument, one might be concerned about buying sight unseen not to mention shipping across the country. Rest assured Geoff will provide the highest quality service and support through the entire process.
I have recorded and included a link to a small snippet of one of my favorite pieces played on this Jose Ramirez Estudio 3. This recording showcases the rich and warm tones of this beautiful instrument. Enjoy.
My Ramirez Estudio 3 guitar is a finely made instrument, and what I expected in craftmanship, balanced sound, and ease of play. After researching instruments, the Estudio 3 in cedar had what I wanted and could afford. I spoke with Geoff at Xguitars. He listened to my playing history from many years ago and what I wanted to accomplish by returning to the classical guitar. So, living on the west coast and unable to travel to North Carolina, I trusted Geoff to make an Estudio 3 selection for me, and he called me several days later to describe for my approval what he found. I was not disappointed. The guitar arrived set up, ready to play and exactly what I was looking for. My sincere appreciation to Geoff and Xguitars.