1960 Daniel Friederich

Top:Spruce
Back and sides: Rosewood
Scale: 50mm
Tuners: Rodgers
Origin: France
Price: $24,900

I have always loved the very early Friederich guitars like this. They are more lightly built than his later guitars and have a lovely character all their own. Friederich was inspired early on by Simplicio, and of course later on by Bouchet and is one of the worlds most beloved builders.

This guitar was originally built for Romain Worschech, as inscribed on the center seam inside the guitar by Friederich. At some point in the 60’s it developed a crack which Friederich repaired at his then new shop, and in doing so placed a second label inside the guitar. A good friend of mine owned this guitar in the 80’s I found out, and had it lightly re polished at that time. There are some light playing marks and generalized ‘use marks’ here and there, nothing overly significant, and one repaired crack below the bridge on the top which was done by Friederich himself hence the second label inside the guitar. Otherwise in fine condition, with a great set of liquid smooth Rodgers tuners.

One dealer who reviewed this guitar in the past said:

“Being lightly built the guitar is extremely resonant and powerful, creating a beautiful full and lively voice with all the sustain a player could ask for on every single note. Comfortable to play, the neck shape is great, and it has, again due to it lively light build, impressive volume. This is a superb early Friederich.” It has surprising volume and magical tone.

I completely agree with this assessment, as well as his assessment that it is ‘one of the best Friederich he has played’. Contact me if you’d like a link to the video of this review.