The Granary Collection - 1929 Francisco Simplicio classical ...

Hammer

£14,500

The Granary Collection - 1929 Francisco Simplicio classical guitar, made in Barcelona, Spain; Back and sides: Brazilian rosewood; Top: spruce; Neck: cedar, with typical carved head; Fretboard: ebony; Frets: nickel; Tuners: engraved plated brass with pearl oval buttons; Nut width: 51mm; Scale length: 650mm; Case: contemporary fitted hard case

*From The Granary Collection. This guitar features on track seven of Granary Guitars' 'The Sound of Spain' album, played by David Merrin. Listen to The Sound of Spain track here: 

Francisco Simplicio (1874-1932) was a pupil of Enrique Garcia, a fact that he proudly states on his label. This guitar, number 249, was built in 1929, the year that Francisco himself won a gold medal at the 1929 Barcelona World Fair. It is one of his 'luxury' instruments as shown by the exquisite detailing throughout. It has had a new fingerboard, new tuning rollers and the bridge has been replaced, but the inlay of the original bridge has been retained.

In the 'Sound of Spain' album notes, David Merrin states "Simplicio in my opinion has produced a masterpiece here. The craftsmanship is outstanding and the guitar has a sound to match, with its very rich tone inviting the player to explore its far-reaching range from solid wooden sounded basses to glossy trebles. This is an important guitar that has always interested me."

Condition notes: long repaired cracks to either side of top. Replacement bridge. Replacement fingerboard. Later tuners. Repaired fine hairlines to lower bout back. Refinishing.