The guitar is a cannon.  One of the master builders from the Ramirez 1A family, Contreras moved on to his own facility, building master level instruments.  Built in 1972, this guitar is clear, it is loud, it is sweet and it avails you of the full color and palette that you would expect from this class of guitar.  Additionally, she is in excellent shape having been fully restored by Lubos Naprstek.  The back was treated, bindings secured, and the top was refinished, the finish thinned a bit and then French Polished.  As a result, she is even louder and more resonant than before.

There remains small evidence of gluing on the back binding that would have required a complete takedown of the finish on the back.  I advised Lubos to not go that far, which he agreed with, and to make certain that everything is solid and stable, which it is.  There remain a few small dents in and around the sound hole...and I mean tiny, but again, it was not worth going too deep and risking damage.  These are quite tiny and insignificant.  Otherwise...

The Brazilian RW is stable, no cracking, while the Cedar top is aged beautifully, and she plays like a dream.  Basically, think the easiest playing Ramirez 1A you ever played and make it easier.  This is a superior guitar that anyone can play.