Daniel Friederich - 1968 Recital

Daniel Friederich was born on the sixteenth of January 1932 and regrettably passed away in 2020. Although he had a strong desire to play the guitar, he lacked money. But at the age of 23, Friederich solved this dilemma by building his first guitar himself: a copy of a Simplicio guitar. Daniel's guitar teacher and excellent guitar maker, Christian Aubin, was a great help to him. After building tools and gaining some experience in guitar making, Daniel Friederich showed his fifteenth guitar to Robert Bouchet. Since then, Robert Bouchet has inspired his work, and Daniel Friederich has personally developed some of R. Bouchet's ideas throughout his career.

For decades, Daniel Friederich was one of the most important and respected active luthiers in the world. After a long and successful career, he stopped making guitars in 2015 and sold all his tools. Today, he is undoubtedly one of the most respected and admired guitar makers in history.

This extraordinary 1968 Récital model by Daniel Friederich enchants with its deep, velvety tones, exuding an audible allure that brings every note to life. Every note reverberates with rich complexity, deeply moving the listener and transforming musical expressions into tangible emotions.

This Friederich creation departs from the heavier construction of his concert models, instead featuring a slender, rounded neck for heightened playability. The result? A guitar that vibrates intensely, resonating with the player and offering an unprecedented level of comfort for the left hand. It opens up a world of limitless musical possibilities, allowing the player to express their artistry unrestricted.

Preserved with its original varnish and tuners, and bearing only three expertly repaired cracks on the soundboard, this 1968 Récital model is a well-preserved testament to Friederich's mastery. Beyond its number and head relief, this instrument bears all the hallmarks of a Friederich masterpiece – from the intricate mosaic of the red and black rosette to the unique choice of colors that remained a constant throughout his career.

The guitar's label elegantly displays "Année 1968" at the top, "Paris" at the bottom, and bears Friederich's signature - a testament to its authenticity and origins.

While double sides, cedar tops, and elaborate bracing patterns signal Friederich's evolving craftsmanship, the late 1960s Recital models hold their unique prestige. Being able to offer such an exquisite example is not only a privilege but an honor. This Daniel Friederich masterpiece is more than a musical instrument; it's a captivating piece of history that resonates with the artistry of its creator.

Watch the presentation video of this particular guitar below, where you will find a lot of additional information about its playability and sound.