Daniel Friederich, 1968

This 1968 Daniel Friederich is a remarkable example from one of the most important French guitar makers of the 20th century. Guitars from this earlier period of Friederich’s work have a very different character from many of his later instruments. They are lighter in construction, often spruce topped, and in this case built without the doubled sides that became more closely associated with his later guitars.

The result is a guitar that feels unusually immediate, open, and alive in the hands. Later Friederich guitars can have a more regal, powerful, and slowly blooming quality, but this one responds instantly. It has that wonderfully fun, old-world feeling of a lightly built Spanish-inspired guitar, while still carrying the unmistakable refinement and elegance of Friederich’s work.

Specifications

Luthier: Daniel Friederich
Year: 1968
Top: Spruce
Back & Sides: Indian Rosewood
Construction: Traditional
Finish: Original French polish
Scale Length: 650 mm
Nut Width: 52 mm
Tuners: Original Fustero
Origin: Paris, France
Strings: D’Addario XTC45FF with normal tension nylon first string
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Condition: Excellent for age. Three professionally repaired top cracks; back and sides free of cracks and repairs

Sound

This guitar has a very open and colorful sound, with a quick response across the entire register. Notes speak easily, and the guitar seems to surround the player with sound from every angle. It is even, clear, and very responsive, with a character that feels lighter and more immediate than many later cedar-top Friederichs.

Playability

The neck is one of the great pleasures of this instrument. Compared with later Friederich guitars, it is thinner and more rounded, making it extremely comfortable and easy to play. The setup is low and comfortable, with no buzzing under normal playing unless the guitar is pushed very aggressively. Action at the 12th fret measures approximately 3.75 mm on the sixth string and 2.75 mm on the first string.

The guitar is in excellent condition, especially considering its age. We are told that the French polish is original, which is a significant plus on an older instrument of this caliber. Many older guitars have been oversprayed or refinished over the years, which can negatively affect the sound. This one retains a beautiful, natural charm and has clearly been well cared for.

There are three small, professionally repaired cracks on the top, all photographed and difficult to see in person. The back and sides are free of cracks and repairs.

The guitar retains its original Fustero tuners, which still function well. They are not the smoothest tuners by modern standards, but it is wonderful to see them still with the instrument after more than 50 years.

Other classic Friederich details are present throughout, including the iconic rosette, the matching tie block decoration, the signed 1968 Paris label, and the beautifully carved Friederich headstock. The headstock does not yet have the later engraved style, but it clearly shows the same elegance and attention to detail that made his work so recognizable.