In the normal course of events of buying and selling guitars, we occasionally come across some that are rare and so special that we wish to keep them for some time. This is therefore our small, permanent collection of instruments that are not currently for sale. We have some early ideas about having some CD recordings made using these instruments and perhaps arranging some recitals featuring them.
Daniel Friederich of Paris - Rue Sargeant Bauchat
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Year:
1967 - number 184
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Body:
South American rosewood. Centre strip or paler wood and with very fine purfling lines.
Total weight 1624 grams.
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Front:
European spruce carrying an earlier version of Daniel Friederich's much-admired rosette and matching decoration to the top of the bridge tie-block.
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Tuners:
Uncertain of the make - having lyre ends, engraved brass sideplates, shaped edges and butterfly-shaped buttons; presumably mother-of-pearl.
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Scale:
65cm
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Neck Width:
51 mm at the nut.
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Condition:
All original, untouched condition. No repairs, no cracks, no re-polishing. This is a guitar that has been played quite a lot but has only mild playing wear. The polish has worn a bit thin in some areas but there are no bad marks or scars; only what could be expected with a guitar that was loved and regularly played.
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Comments:
I just love this guitar - it is so full of character. This was originally bought from Daniel Friederich in 1968 by Gerard Bride who was apparently a professor at the Paris Conservatoire. He played the instrument until his death in the 1980's.
Some years ago I played a Friederich from 1968 or 69 that a friend had - and although it had cracks and repairs, it had a wonderful sound and have been looking for a better condition one ever since.
This one made in 1967 is near identical, also with Brazilian and spruce - and made in a period before Daniel Friederich made heavier guitars with doubled sides and with generally a heavier sound. Whilst not having a particularly low air resonance (around G), the bass notes are very profound and sonorous - the bottom octave of the note is very steady and this seems to give a solid, focussed and sustaining sound. The treble is lovely with many cello-like sounds. The treble is very sweet, pretty and interesting - a wonderful guitar. The majority of Daniel Friederich's later output has been heavier cedar guitars which although very impressive and what many people seek, they suit me rather less; it is all so personal.
Sound clip to come soon.Daniel Friederich - Click here to find out more about this maker
- Availability:
Soundhole & rosette
Back
Front
Head and tuners
