Daniel Friederich - 1977 No. 461

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.

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

The “Concert Model” No. 461 from 1977 by the celebrated luthier Daniel Friederich is a symphony in wood and strings. Its beguiling Redwood top, rarer in Friederich’s guitars, is not just an aesthetic delight, but a sonic powerhouse, promising and delivering tonal richness with every note played.

Its sonority is almost akin to poetry. The trebles sing with crystalline clarity, each note ringing with a luxurious sustain that resembles the chimes of a bell. These are complemented by robust basses that are warm, potent, yet never overwhelming. This results in a balance that is beautifully symphonic, where every note has its place, and together, they create a harmonious soundscape.

Imagine being in a grand cathedral, its vastness filled with echoing melodies — such is the experience when one strums this Friederich masterpiece. Every note seems to reverberate with a divine resonance, inviting listeners into its sonic sanctum.

While its sound is ethereal, its build speaks of earthly craftsmanship. It bears testament to the trials of time, with a single expertly repaired crack on its soundboard. The rear, sculpted from the distinguished CITES certified Brazilian rosewood, showcases a superficially mended crack. Yet, these scars in no way detract from its integrity or sonic prowess. A notable construction feature is Friederich’s ingenious double-side design, layering the insides with an additional sheet of rosewood, augmenting its durability and acoustic resonance.

In the pantheon of classical guitars, this “Concert Model” by Daniel Friederich stands tall. It’s not merely an instrument, but a conduit for musical expression, allowing the artist to paint vast landscapes of emotions, stories, and dreams. For those fortunate to hold and play this masterpiece, they hold in their hands not just a guitar, but a piece of musical history.