Francisco Simplicio

Francisco Simplicio (October 18, 1874 – January 14, 1932) was a Spanish luthier, known for his classical guitars built in the early 20th century.

Life

Francisco Simplicio was born in Barcelona, Spain. He initially trained as a cabinetmaker, a trade that deeply influenced his later work as a guitar maker.

He began his career as a luthier relatively late. In 1919, he became an apprentice to Enrique García, a renowned guitar maker from Barcelona and former student of José Ramírez. García’s instruments were heavily influenced by Antonio de Torres, considered the father of the modern classical guitar.

After García’s death in 1922, Simplicio took over his workshop and inherited his tools, templates, and design approaches. Until 1925, he continued to sell his guitars under the name of Enrique García, presenting himself as the "Only disciple and student of Enrique García."

Francisco Simplicio died in Barcelona on January 14, 1932, at the age of 57.