Francisco Simplicio - 1931 No. 299
Francisco Simplicio - 1931 No. 299
Overview
Overview
Francisco Simplicio (1874-1932) started his cabinet-making apprenticeship in Masriera & Vidal’s workshop at a very young age. He worked as a cabinet-maker for nineteen years before he was forced to close his workshop in 1917, due to the political disorders of that time. Being unemployed, Simplicio entered the workshop of his long-time friend, the now Famous Enrique Garcia, as an assistant. When Enrique Garcia died in 1922, Simplicio took over his workshop and kept building guitars under Enrique Garcia’s name for three years. Francisco Simplicio was an extraordinarily gifted luthier and an eminent Barcelonian modern artist. The carved headstock of his guitars, as well as the elaborated purflings, are testimonials of his woodworking talent. Francisco Simplicio built 336 guitars under his name between 1922 and 1932. With their one-of-a-kind art-deco look, rich marquetry details, and graceful voice, Francisco Simplicio’s instruments undeniably rank among the greatest Spanish guitars of all time.
This guitar by, number 299, made in 1931, is one of the most distinctive guitars of the 20th century. It is a unique model whose history, condition and sound truly enchant us. The gorgeous spruce top with its patina displays utmost elegance and a positive maturation. Back and sides are made of distinctive bird's eye maple, this being the only Simplicio guitar made of bird's eye maple known to date. In the course of its history, the guitar has had only one previous owner. Furthermore, this instrument was originally built for Matilde Cuervas, Emilio Pujol's wife, which is explained in one of the original letters from Simplicio that accompanies this guitar. Its condition is spectacular and completely original, with both the original case and all original paperwork preserved. There are three small repaired cracks on the top in typical areas: on each side of the fingerboard and at the top joint. There are two fine repaired cracks on the back, which is of no consequence in the otherwise excellent state of preservation. This instrument brilliantly expresses all the refinement of acoustic quality. With its impressive sound from days long gone, its exceptional projection and power, and its very comfortable playability, this guitar is a unique and precious heritage for the guitar world.
Watch the presentation video of this particular guitar below, where you will find a lot of additional information about its playability and sound.
| Luthier: | Francisco Simplicio |
| Construction year: | 1931 |
| Top: | Spruce |
| Back and sides: | Birdseye maple |
| Scale: | 650 mm |
| Nut: | 49,5 mm |
| Weight: | 1530 grams |
| Air body frequency: | D#/E |
| Tuners: | - |
| Strings: | Knobloch EDC 34.0 |
| Case: | Hardshell |
| Condition: | Excellent |
Video overview
While this guitar is sold, these are ready for you
-
Classical Guitar
The classical guitar, with its soft nylon strings and characteristic timbre, has become a symbol of chamber music, Spanish tradition, and concert repertoire. Its modern form was shaped by Antonio de Torres in the 19th century, setting the standard for the body, fan bracing, and the 65-centimeter scale length that are still used today. Instruments in this category open up a rich palette from the refined Romantic miniatures of Tárrega to the majestic concertos of Rodrigo. Here you will find guitars that preserve historical continuity and at the same time inspire new interpretations.Look all products of the collection -
José Salinas - 2025 - Cedar/Madagascar
Price: $6,494Sale price $6,494 Price:Unit price per Tax free (0% BM)$0Save: $-6,494Construction Type: Traditional -
Nick Branwell - 2025 - No. 58
Price: $7,132Sale price $7,132 Price:Unit price per Tax free (0% BM)$0Save: $-7,132Construction Type: Traditional -
Vicente Carrillo - 2025 - Maestro N.X. (Nomex) - 64 cm
Price: $11,997Sale price $11,997 Price:Unit price per Tax free (0% BM)$0Save: $-11,997Luthier: Vicente CarrilloConstruction Type: Double Top -
Hans-Hermann Herb - 2012
Price: $4,751Sale price $4,751 Price:Unit price per Tax free (0% BM)$0Save: $-4,751Construction Type: Traditional -
Pete Beer - 2025 - Double top No.112
Price: $10,109Sale price $10,109 Price:Unit price per Tax free (0% BM)$0Save: $-10,109Construction Type: Double Top -
Hugues Boivin - 2025
Price: $8,323Sale price $8,323 Price:Unit price per Tax free (0% BM)$0Save: $-8,323Construction Type: Traditional -
Otto Vowinkel - 2019 - Concert
Price: $9,514Sale price $9,514 Price:Unit price per Tax free (0% BM)$0Save: $-9,514Luthier: Otto VowinkelConstruction Type: Traditional -
Luthier: José Luis RomanillosConstruction Type: Traditional
-
Hermann Hauser II - 1956 - No.577
Price on requestSaleLuthier: Hermann Hauser IIConstruction Type: Traditional -
Luthier: Andrea TacchiConstruction Type: Traditional
