FEDERICO SHEPPARD of Spain Simplicio copy -

For a video demonstration, click here

This guitar from Federico Sheppard is a copy of a guitar by Spanish luthier Francisco Simplicio made in he late 1920s.

In 1929 Fransisco Simplicio of Barcelona unveiled "The Modern Guitar". Only 9 of the original models were made, most going to South America. This guitar is based upon careful measurement of #8 of these instruments, ordered by Borda Pagola from Uruguay. It is thought that Agustin Barrios may have briefly owned this guitar. Simplicio was interested in expanding the capabilities of the guitar by enlarging the vibrating surface of the top by splitting, and moving the soundhole upward. However, most of these instruments ended up in the hands of collectors and not the great players of the time, so they remained relatively unknown until recently.

The unique traits of this guitar are the outstanding bass response, volume, and quality of sound.

Great dynamic range with nice crisp trebles supported by very deep, robust bass.

Federico has recently moved his workshop to Northern Spain from his native Wisconson, US.

Top : Spruce

Back and sides : Indian Rosewood

Neck : Cedar

Fingerboard : Ebony

Finish : French polish

Tuners : Alessi