Daniel Friederich – 1968

Description

Daniel Friederich was born on January 16, 1932, and passed away in 2020. Even though he had a strong desire to play the guitar, he lacked the funds to purchase one. However, at the age of 23, he found a solution by crafting his own guitar, a replica of a Simplicio guitar. His guitar teacher and renowned guitar maker, Christian Aubin, greatly assisted him during this endeavor. After creating his own tools and gaining some experience in guitar making, Friederich presented his fifteenth guitar to Robert Bouchet, who subsequently influenced his work. Throughout his career, Friederich incorporated and adapted some of Bouchet’s ideas.

For decades, Daniel Friederich was considered one of the most prestigious guitar makers worldwide. In 2015, after a long and successful career, he retired from guitar making and sold all his tools.

The Récital model by Daniel Friederich from 1968 captivates with its deep, velvety sounds and exudes an aura that brings every note to life. Each note radiates profound depth, deeply touching the listener.

Unlike his heavier concert models, this instrument has a slender, rounded neck, making it more playable and offering added comfort to the left hand. The outcome is a guitar that vibrates intensely, offering the player boundless musical freedom.

Although this guitar retains its original varnish and tuning machines, it also bears the marks of time. The top reveals three professionally repaired cracks: two on the top – one below the bridge and another beside the fretboard – and a small repair on the lower bout where the previous owner had drilled a hole for a strap pin. No cleats were used for these repairs. Additionally, light markings below the E strings have been retouched. Despite these imperfections, the instrument remains a magnificent testament to Friederich’s craftsmanship.

The label inside the guitar reads “Année 1968” at the top and “Paris” at the bottom, accompanied by Friederich’s signature, confirming its authenticity.

The double-sided sides, cedar top, and sophisticated bracing are characteristic of Friederich’s craft during this period. However, the Récital models from the late 1960s remain especially revered. It’s an honor to offer such an exquisite instrument, which is not just a musical tool but a captivating piece of history reflecting the skill 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.