Stephen Eden - 2026 "Daniel Friederich 1980" No. 228
Stephen Eden - 2026 "Daniel Friederich 1980" No. 228
Details
Details
Overview
Overview
Shipping important note
Shipping important note
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Details about GPSR
Details about GPSR
Video overview
More details about the guitar
About the luthier
Stephen Eden is a British luthier based in Bexhill on Sea, UK. His path into guitar making began in 2004 with evening classes under Stephen Hill, an experience that led to a traditional two year apprenticeship with Pablo Requena. He established his own workshop in 2008 and has since continuously refined his tonal concepts and construction methods.
Eden’s work reflects close study of historical masters including Antonio de Torres, Santos Hernández, Hermann Hauser, and Daniel Friederich. Through his collaboration with Miles Roberts of Kent Guitar Classics, he gained direct access to important original instruments by Friederich and Hauser, deepening his understanding of structural design and tonal control. His guitars are played internationally and are recognised for their clarity, balance, and carefully considered craftsmanship.
About the guitar
This 2026 instrument, No. 228, is Stephen Eden’s interpretation of a Daniel Friederich 1980 model. Built in traditional construction with a cedar top and Indian rosewood back and sides, and finished entirely in French polish, it follows the structural principles associated with the Paris school while remaining a personal reworking rather than a direct copy.
A defining structural element is the use of doubled sides, formed from two full thickness layers, creating a particularly rigid body. This rigidity supports projection, sustain, and tonal focus. The top is conceived for clarity and controlled power, resulting in a voice that is even, centred, and fundamentally strong. The air resonance at G sharp contributes to a compact and clearly organised tonal structure.
The sound is characterised by long sustain, an even response across the registers, and a refined presence of overtones that never obscures the fundamental. The trebles sing with depth and composure, while the basses remain controlled and supportive. The instrument offers substantial dynamic range and remains stable under increased attack, retaining clarity at higher volume. The slightly shorter scale length contributes to a comfortable playing feel, while the overall construction ensures structural solidity and tonal consistency suitable for demanding concert use.
Regular care extends the life of the instrument
Even with careful use, a classical guitar may gradually change in appearance or respond to unstable storage conditions. Have a close look at your guitar regularly and be attentif to changes. If your instrument is suffering from its environement, it will let you know.
Protect Your Guitar: Handle with Care
Be mindful when touching your instrument with greasy or unwashed hands: any skin contact is a small attack on the varnish. Of course, a guitar is made to be played, but taking a few precautions helps preserve its beauty: wash your hands before playing, wear long sleeves, and avoid unnecessary direct skin contact with the body of the instrument.
Pro tip: Avoid playing with a button-up shirt, heavy jewelry, or a belt, as these can scratch the guitar. Also, make sure your guitar case is free of any objects that could damage the instrument during storage.
String care
A good habit to adopt is wiping down your strings briefly after each playing session. This small action significantly extends their lifespan and helps maintain a consistent, comfortable feel under your fingers.
Most importantly, clean strings are essential for keeping your instrument in tune. Corrosion, sweat, and dust can affect the uniformity of the strings and interfere with accurate tuning across the entire fingerboard.
Pro tip: If you're having trouble getting your guitar in tune, it might be time to change the strings. A useful test is to compare the pitch of the 12th fret harmonic with the fretted note at the 12th fret; if there's an unusually large gap between them, your strings may have lost their integrity and should be replaced.
Keep Your Shellac Finish Shining!
Got a guitar with a shellac (French polish) finish? Here's a simple trick: Take a clean microfiber cloth and gently breathe on the surface to create a light mist. Then, softly rub to remove fingerprints, sweat, and grease. That’s usually all it takes to keep it looking great, no products needed!
Pro tip: Every few years, treat your guitar to a check-up with a luthier to keep it in top shape.
Storing Your Guitar: Climate Matters
Your guitar can safely stay outside its case, as long as the surrounding environment maintains 42–55% humidity and a temperature between 18–25°C.
Keep in mind that humidity levels can still fluctuate inside the case, especially during seasonal changes.
- Too much humidity may cause overtightened strings and a dull tone.
- Too little humidity can lead to a bulging top, string buzz, or even cracks.
Avoid placing your guitar near radiators, air conditioners, or windows with direct sunlight.
Pro tip: Always close your guitar case while playing. This helps preserve a stable microclimate inside the case, so your instrument is protected the moment you put it back in.