Daniel Friederich, 1978

Overview

Daniel Friederich’s guitars from the 1970s represent one of the great golden eras of modern classical guitar making. By this time, Friederich had fully refined the design philosophy that would make his instruments legendary: exceptional balance, lyrical sustain, and a musical responsiveness that seems to invite phrasing and expression.

This 1978 Friederich No. 476 is a beautiful example of that mature period. Built with a cedar top and Indian rosewood back and sides, it delivers the unmistakable Friederich voice: warm, colorful, and deeply expressive, with a singing quality across the entire register.

Quite simply, melodies seem to flow out of this guitar effortlessly. It is the sort of instrument that immediately encourages musical ideas and phrasing, the kind of guitar players often describe as a “dreamboat.”

Aesthetics & Craftsmanship

Friederich’s aesthetic sense was always understated but elegant, allowing the beauty of the woods and the purity of the instrument’s design to take center stage.

The Indian rosewood on this guitar is particularly attractive, showing rich color and depth that pairs beautifully with the glowing cedar top. Decades of natural aging have given the instrument a warmth and visual maturity that new guitars simply cannot replicate.

This guitar also retains its original Fustero tuners, widely considered among the most desirable machines used on Friederich guitars from this era. They function beautifully and contribute to the guitar’s historical authenticity.

Some years ago, the polish was professionally touched up by a highly respected specialist, and today the finish presents beautifully with a healthy glow.

Sound

What more can be said about a great 1970s Friederich that has not already been said?

Still, this guitar deserves the attempt.

The voice is exactly what players hope for when approaching a mature Friederich:
rich, expressive, and irresistibly lyrical.

The basses are full and confident, with that signature Friederich character that feels both refined and powerful at the same time. They are rambunctious when called upon, yet always controlled and focused.

The trebles are where the magic truly lives. They are luscious, singing, and endlessly lyrical, with an evenness across the fretboard that makes melodic playing feel almost effortless. Sustain is outstanding, and notes bloom with a natural warmth that encourages expressive phrasing.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this guitar is its evenness and balance. Every register speaks with the same clarity and character, giving the player a seamless tonal palette from bass to treble.

And then there is something unexpected: the aroma of the instrument itself. Many great guitars have a beautiful scent when opened, but this one genuinely surprised us. It rivals even some of the most memorable vintage instruments we have encountered.

Cedar? Rosewood? Decades of aging? Whatever the reason, the result is magical. Almost as magical as the sound.

Condition

For a guitar from 1978, this example is in excellent condition.

There is visible evidence of honest play wear throughout the instrument, exactly what one hopes to see on a well-loved concert guitar of this age. None of it detracts from the instrument’s structural integrity or beauty.

The finish has benefited from a professional polish touch-up performed some years ago by an industry-leading specialist, and the guitar presents today with a vibrant and healthy appearance.

The original Fustero tuners remain in excellent working order.

The guitar comes with a TKL case.

Historical Perspective

Daniel Friederich is widely regarded as one of the most influential classical guitar makers of the twentieth century. A student of Robert Bouchet and deeply influenced by the French tradition of Torres-inspired instruments, Friederich developed a voice that combined elegance, power, and extraordinary musical refinement.

By the late 1970s, Friederich was already at the height of his powers. Guitars from this period are sought after worldwide for their mature tonal character and the remarkable consistency of Friederich’s craftsmanship.

Today, original Friederich guitars from the 1970s remain among the most respected and collectible instruments in the classical guitar world.

If you have never experienced a great Friederich, this guitar would be a wonderful place to begin. And for those who already know these instruments well, No. 476 would make a compelling and distinctive addition to any serious collection.

Specs

Maker: Daniel Friederich
Year: 1978
Number: 476
Top: Cedar
Back & Sides: Indian Rosewood
Scale Length: 650mm
Nut Width: 53.5mm
Tuners: Fustero
Finish: French Polish (professionally touched up)
Case: TKL

Worldwide shipping is available.

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