Francisco González (1820–1879) was a celebrated Madrid guitar maker, a contemporary of Antonio de Torres and the teacher of José Ramírez I and Manuel Ramírez; his workshop lived on as Casa González into the 1940s.
Francisco González at a Glance
- Born: 1820
- Died: 1879
- Workshop: Carrera de San Jerónimo, 15, Madrid (“Guitarrería Universal”)
- Honors: first-class medal, Exposition Universelle, Paris, 1867; other exhibition prizes and medals
- Students: José Ramírez I, Manuel Ramírez, his daughter Concepción González
- Successors: “Viuda e Hijos de Francisco González”, then “Casa González” (from 1901), Carretas, 33, Madrid
A Madrid Master with His Own “Sistema”
González was a near exact contemporary of Torres but built in his own style – as his label says, in “a new and elegant design with a special system” (…una nueva y elegante forma y construidos por un sistema especial suyo…). He was very celebrated in his own day, winning several prizes and medals at exhibitions, among them a first-class medal at the 1867 Exposition Universelle in Paris, which his labels proudly display. One of his guitars is on display at the Paris Conservatoire. His guitars are bold in look and sound – ultra-wide rosettes, a high waistline and a mustache bridge, a huge bottom end and brilliant, crystalline trebles. Even the sloping line at the bottom of his head shape lives on in Ramírez guitars to this day.
Teacher of the Ramírez Brothers
González taught both José Ramírez I and his brother Manuel Ramírez, who entered his workshop as apprentices. It was José’s loyalty to González and the “sistema”, and Manuel’s conversion to the Torres design, that caused the split between the two brothers and led them to set up competing shops in Madrid. González also trained his daughter Concepción, who worked in the shop alongside José Ramírez I – remarkable at a time when guitar making was a man’s trade.
An Inventor in the Workshop
González’s inventiveness went beyond the guitar: he also built a vehicle driven by levers. It ran well enough on level ground but would not climb a hill – a failure he took very hard, and it is said that the disappointment cost him his life.
Casa González
His reputation in his own day suggests that he must have been a prolific builder; however, much like Vicente Arias, very few of his instruments survive. After his death in 1879, his son-in-law Enrique Romans Papell carried on the work, first as “Viuda e Hijos de Francisco González” and after 1901 as “Casa González”, which remained active into the 1940s.
Francisco González Guitars at GSI
Francisco González and Casa González guitars have passed through our doors over the years, among them an 1876 González from the Russell Cleveland collection. You’ll find guitars currently in stock by clicking the “Guitars In Stock” button in the header of this page as well as earlier examples in our Museum by clicking the “Guitars In Museum” button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Francisco González?
A Madrid guitar maker (1820–1879), a contemporary of Antonio de Torres, celebrated for his own “sistema” and an 1867 Paris medal.
Did Francisco González teach José Ramírez I?
Yes – both José Ramírez I and his brother Manuel Ramírez learned in his workshop.
What is Casa González?
The name under which his son-in-law Enrique Romans Papell continued the workshop after 1901; it was active into the 1940s.
Are Francisco González guitars rare?
Very – he was prolific in his day, but few of his guitars survive.
