1967 - number 184
South American rosewood. Centre strip of paler wood and with very fine purfling lines.
European spruce carrying an earlier version of Daniel Friederich's much-admired rosette and matching decoration to the top of the bridge tie-block.
Uncertain of the make - having lyre ends, engraved brass sideplates, shaped edges and butterfly-shaped buttons; presumably mother-of-pearl.
65cm
51 mm at the nut.
1624 grams
All original condition with no work having been done on it. No repairs, no cracks, no re-polishing. This is a guitar that has been played quite a lot but has only normal 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.
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.Daniel Friederich - Click here to find out more about this maker
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