Daniel Friederich No. 504 "Experimentale", 1979

Daniel Friederich (1932 to 2020) is regarded as one of the most influential luthiers of the modern era, with his guitars in the hands of leading performers and collectors worldwide. This instrument, No. 504 from 1979, carries the rare “Experimental” designation on the label, a mark Friederich occasionally used when exploring design variations.

During the 1970s, Friederich was refining the asymmetrical bracing concept that became one of his trademarks. In this example, the treble side features a diagonal brace, producing enhanced clarity and sustain in the upper register while preserving the legendary depth and bloom of his basses. The experiments of this era led to today’s most sought-after Friederich guitars.

Specifications

Luthier: Daniel Friederich
Model: No. 504 “Experimentale”
Year: 1979
Top: Cedar
Back & Sides: Indian Rosewood
Construction: Traditional, asymmetrical fan with diagonal treble-side brace
Scale Length: 650 mm
Nut Width: 52.5 mm
Weight: 1650 g
Neck Profile: Slim D-shape
Strings: D’Addario XTC45FF with normal tension nylon first string
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Condition: Honest playwear throughout. Two professionally repaired cracks; excellent structural integrity

Sound

The guitar offers deep, resonant basses with remarkable sustain and bloom, and clear, singing trebles that hold their own against the powerful low end. The voice is balanced across the registers, with Friederich’s signature warmth and complexity, and the dynamic range is highly responsive, equally rewarding for gentle, lyrical passages and assertive projection.

Playability

The neck is notably thinner than on many Friederichs, with a flatter D-profile that makes for a comfortable and agile left-hand feel, ideal for extended playing.

While clearly a guitar that has seen many years of devoted playing, with visible but honest wear throughout, it remains in remarkable structural condition. Two cracks have been professionally repaired, the bridge has been filed down slightly to achieve a lower action, and the guitar is otherwise original and well cared for. Its played-in nature removes the hesitancy that sometimes comes with owning a pristine, museum-grade Friederich, inviting you to enjoy it as a living, breathing concert instrument.