1971 Daniel Friederich SP/CSAR

The late, and great Daniel Friederich is known for his unsurpassed aesthetic as well as his beautiful and magisterial quality of tone. Many of the best players in the world play or have played Friederich guitars, including the Romeros, Manuel Barrueco, Julian Bream, Scott Tennant, Roberto Aussel, Eduardo Fernandez, Alvaro Pierri, David Tanenbaum and many others.

This is an elegant example of Friederich’s best work during the peak of his spruce period of the late 1960’s/early 1970’s. Until his recent passing in November of 2020, Friederich had been universally regarded as the most collectible of all living builders today, but now joins the ranks of the great historical French makers alongside Robert Bouchet. Tone is gorgeous - rich and silky, smooth and full, marrying together the best qualities of the mid-century spruce guitar with Friederich's unique sound. Separation between notes is clear and incredibly balanced, across the entire range. It features the classic (and in our opinion, one of the most beautiful) plantillas ever designed as well as the carved head and ornate yet tasteful rosette. This instrument is a concert player's workhorse and is incredibly playable - featuring a comfortable, sleek and easy neck (by comparison with instruments built in later periods) and incredible responsiveness for the right hand. It has enough volume to fill any sized hall. Not only a players dream, but also very rare, collectible and in excellent condition with only one splice just off the center seam, below the bridge (repaired entirely from the exterior several years ago by Yuris Zeltins). There are also two cloth patches at the extremities of the lower bout which may be original as they appear to be supporting the outer pieces of a 4-piece top. Also features beautiful quarter-sawn CSA rosewood for the back and sides, a rare treat for this maker.

Interview: Daniel Friederich by Andrea Tacchi