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Daniel Friederich, 1967

$30,000.00

Spruce / Indian Rosewood

There is something unmistakable about the 1960s Friederich guitars. They sit closer to the great Spanish tradition, with a sound that is a bit more raw, vocal, and unfiltered compared to his later, more reserved concert instruments. This 1967 recital model is a particularly special example from that era, and has actually been documented in a 2016 article by Richard Brun that discusses Friederich’s work in detail and highlights this very guitar.

Lightweight, responsive, and incredibly alive under the hands, it feels closer to Santos Hernández or Miguel Rodríguez than to the darker, more “contained” Friederichs from the 70s and 80s. You can really dig in and the guitar answers immediately, but it also has a wonderfully sweet, lyrical side when you back off and let it sing.

For collectors, the documented history and exceptional state of preservation make this a very special opportunity. For players, it is simply a deeply inspiring, musical instrument that you feel vibrating against your chest on every note.

Key Features

  • Year: 1967

  • Model: Recital model

  • Top: Spruce

  • Back and sides: Indian rosewood

  • Bracing: 7 fan, Torres inspired pattern

  • Scale length: 650 mm

  • Nut width: 52 mm

  • Neck: Slimmer, C shaped profile typical of his 1960s work

  • Tuners: Rodgers tuning machines

  • Body construction: Lightweight build from the pre double sided era

  • Rosette and tie block: Classic Daniel Friederich mosaic motif on both rosette and tie block

Sound and Playability

These 1960s Friederichs have a very particular voice that many players fall in love with. This guitar is:

  • Open and immediate: The sound comes out of the instrument right away. Unlike some of the later Friederichs where the note “blooms” more slowly, this one responds almost instantly under the right hand.

  • Spanish, raw, and expressive: There is a slightly more aggressive, gutsy character here that feels closer to the great Spanish guitars of the mid 20th century. You can lean into the string and get a powerful, throaty attack, or relax and bring out a very sweet, singing color.

  • Chimey trebles with rich overtones: The first string especially has that bell like, chimey quality that Friederich is so loved for, with beautiful harmonic content and a very vocal singing line.

  • Balanced, characterful basses: The fourth, fifth, and sixth strings have a punchy, almost “boomy” presence when you want it, yet they remain clear and supportive, never muddy. They give the guitar that sense of depth and “earth shaking” growl that you feel in your chest.

Overall, it is one of those instruments where you feel every note resonate physically through the body of the guitar and into you as you play. It is highly expressive at low volume and has plenty of headroom when you push it.

Condition

For a guitar built in the 1960s, the condition is truly impressive.

  • Top: Spruce top in excellent condition with only light marks and nail traces in the expected areas. No string dings or string slips along the bridge area, and even the usual “string touch” marks behind the bridge are minimal.

  • Back and sides: Indian rosewood back and sides are in very good condition, showing only minor surface wear and small scratches consistent with careful use over decades. No cracks observed.

  • Neck and playability: Comfortable, slightly slimmer C shaped neck that feels very accessible in the left hand. Action is low and easy to play, with approximate measurements of around 3.75 to 4 mm on the bass side and 2.75 to 3 mm on the treble side at the 12th fret, offering an ideal balance between comfort and dynamic range.

  • Headstock and hardware: Classic Friederich head design without engraved plates as seen on his concert models, giving this recital model a more modest and understated visual presentation. The guitar is fitted with elegant Rodgers tuners that suit the instrument perfectly and function smoothly.

This is a beautifully preserved, structurally sound example that has clearly been treasured and well looked after.

Provenance and Documentation

  • Featured in a 2016 article by Richard Brun that discusses the work of Daniel Friederich and specifically includes this 1967 recital model as a notable example.

  • Represents an important period in Friederich’s output, right around the time of his retirement from active building being discussed and documented.

  • A rare opportunity to acquire a historically significant, fully documented 1960s Friederich in outstanding playing condition.

About Daniel Friederich

Daniel Friederich is one of the most influential luthiers of the 20th century, revered by players and collectors alike. His instruments have been used by many of the world’s leading guitarists, and his work represents a bridge between the great Spanish tradition and a more modern, refined French school of lutherie.

The 1960s period in particular is highly sought after by many players because the guitars retain a more overtly “Spanish” character. They are lighter, more immediate and raw in their response, and have a certain directness and vocal quality that feels incredibly alive. This 1967 recital model is an ideal example of that aesthetic, in both sound and feel.

If you're interested in purchasing, please write to me at evan@guitarcollection.com

Please note: Free UPS 2nd day air shipping is included if paid via a feeless method. Please contact for payment information.

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