Francisco Simplicio, 1929
Spruce / Cuban Mahogany
Few names in the world of classical guitar command as much reverence as Francisco Simplicio. This 1929 example is one of the most beautiful and expressive guitars I have encountered, a masterwork from Simplicio’s final years of building, featuring Cuban mahogany back and sides with a mesmerizing bird’s-eye figure that rivals anything I have seen on a Spanish instrument of this period.
Beyond its visual artistry, this guitar has a voice that captures the heart of the old Spanish sound, with deep blooming basses and crystalline trebles that open up more and more as you play. Like many of Simplicio’s finest instruments, it wakes up within minutes, revealing overtones and a natural warmth that make every note feel alive.
The rosette, bindings, and tie block display Simplicio’s signature cabinetmaker’s precision, repeating the same mosaic motifs with remarkable harmony. The headstock, completely hand carved and adorned with its original tuners, bears the instantly recognizable silhouette unique to Simplicio. Each one was made slightly differently, giving every guitar its own fingerprint of artistry.
Originally owned by Argentinian guitarist Lucía Sánchez Jordán, this guitar carries an impeccable provenance and has been cared for with exceptional attention. In July 2022, a luthier revisiting several old crack repairs, making a new nut and saddle (the originals are included), and ensuring perfect structural integrity. The top, back, sides, tuners, and headstock are all original, as are the intricate details that make this such a rare find.
Despite being nearly a century old, this guitar requires no work whatsoever and plays beautifully. The scale is 648mm, and the nut measures approximately 49mm, giving it a surprisingly slim and agile feel.
When tuned slightly below concert pitch (around A=430Hz), the tone becomes especially lush and resonant, with a dark and lyrical sound full of character and history.
Key Features
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Year: 1929
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Scale length: 648mm
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Nut width: 49mm
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Top: Spruce
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Back & sides: Bird’s-eye Cuban Mahogany
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Neck: Mahogany
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Tuners: Original peg-style rollers
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Finish: Original French polish
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Condition: Excellent for its age, with crack repairs.
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Includes: Original nut and saddle (new set currently installed)
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Provenance: Formerly owned by Argentinian guitarist Lucía Sánchez Jordán
This is one of the most captivating examples of Simplicio’s artistry I have seen, a perfectly preserved piece of Spanish guitar history that is rich with depth and soul.
If you're interested in purchasing, please write to me at evan@guitarcollection.com
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