1923 Francisco Simplicio No. 11 SP/CSAR

This 1923 Francisco Simplicio is a spruce and CSA rosewood classical guitar made in Barcelona, No. 11 – one of his very first guitars, built the year after Enrique García's death and labeled on García's own printed label.

No. 11 on an Enrique García Label

Fun fact about this guitar: Simplicio started working with Enrique García in 1918, and together they built "García" guitars for several years. When García died in 1922, Simplicio continued building similar models but now signed the labels with his "Francisco Simplicio" signature and started numbering them, starting with #1, #2, etc. For some reason he didn't get around to having his own labels designed and printed until 1925, so he built his first 49 guitars (numbered and signed) with the old García labels – and this guitar from 1923 is his #11. Along the edge of the label he wrote "Fco Simplicio, sucesor y único discípulo de" in front of García's printed name, and at the bottom "Guitarra No. 11".

One of Simplicio's More Ornate Models

This is one of his more ornate models with extra detailing, including mosaics in the top purfling, inner and outer rosette purflings and tie-block inlay. There are also half-herringbone inlays in the purflings for the top, sides and back. In addition to the carved floral pattern in the headstock, the slots are surrounded with both square and rectangular-shaped mosaic inlays, with mother-of-pearl for every 4th occurrence. This is truly a piece of art in every way, and not just for its appearance.

Sound and Condition

The sound is magical – there is great depth and rich overtone content in every note from the lowest bass note to the highest treble, with a deep bottom-end, lyrical and singing trebles, and ample volume to fill any hall. Being over 100 years old, it is in remarkably excellent condition – apart from a crack on the side of the fingerboard and 2 hairline cracks in one of the sides, it is pretty much pristine, with all original elements intact including finish and tuning machines. Overall, a highly desirable guitar from this famous builder.

Orfeo article on Simplicio – the French guitar magazine Orfeo devoted a feature to Francisco and Miguel Simplicio in its first issue.

Francisco Simplicio: Enrique García's Only Pupil

Francisco Simplicio (1874–1932) was brought up in Barcelona and was a cabinet-maker before he turned to guitar making in the workshop of Enrique García, the founder of the Barcelona school. He joined García in 1918, and the guitars of García's last years were built by the two of them together. When García died in 1922, Simplicio took over the premises at Paseo de San Juan 110, and his labels proudly state that he was García's "successor and only pupil" – "Suc. y único discípulo de Enrique García" – with García's Chicago 1893 medals.

Carved Headstocks and Art Nouveau Ornament

Simplicio was known not only for the beautiful tone of his instruments, but also for his exquisite workmanship and use of extravagant ornamentation. The ornate purfling and rosette detailing are immediately recognizable features of his work, as are the heavily and beautifully engraved headstocks, very much in the Art Nouveau taste of Barcelona at the time. His standard head was based on the Torres pattern, he often fitted a "tornavoz" (a conical tube attached to the soundhole), and in 1929 he won a gold medal at the World's Fair in Barcelona. He died in January 1932 and his son Miguel carried on the workshop.

The Simplicio Sound

The famous 'sound' of Simplicio is perhaps the most unique of the great makers of the twentieth century – it has a very "old-world" charm, and players of these guitars often remark how they are transported psychologically to another world when playing a Simplicio. His guitars left their mark on later makers such as Ignacio Fleta and Daniel Friederich, and they are sought after by collectors because despite their age they continue to play well.