1984 Daniel Friederich No. 588 CD/IN

This 1984 Daniel Friederich No. 588 is a cedar and Indian rosewood classical guitar from Paris – a "peak" guitar from his cedar period, recently refretted, with David Rodgers tuners.

In the video above, Ikwhan Ji plays Stanley Myers' "Cavatina" from "The Deer Hunter" on this guitar.

No. 588: a Peak Guitar of the Cedar Period

This guitar represents Daniel Friederich at his best – a "peak" guitar from his cedar period, numbered 588 on its 1984 label. At some point in its history the machines were replaced with Rodgers (which Friederich would adopt later in his career).

Sound

Although an incredibly powerful guitar with huge volume, the "quality" of tone is like soft, fine silk, with controlled and balanced layers of rich overtones stacked on the crystal-clear fundamental of every note. Many have commented that this sound is "creamy" or "chocolaty" – in any case it is intoxicating to player and listener alike. Its almost cathedral-like presence gives it plenty of power for any concert hall – huge power even compared to a more "typical" Friederich, making this a true "concert grand" of a guitar.

Condition

The guitar is in excellent condition for its age and recently had the frets replaced to improve playability, and some light finish work on top of the existing finish to cover areas that had become worn from regular use over the past 4 decades. There are also two small, hairline surface cracks in the top that were repaired with glue only from the exterior (no internal reinforcing work was necessary). For sound, condition and collectability, this is an extremely desirable example by this legendary maker.

Daniel Friederich: Paris Master of the French School

Daniel Friederich (1932–2020) was one of the most respected and influential classical guitar makers of the twentieth century. Born in Paris, he built his first guitar in 1955 – a simple copy of a Francisco Simplicio – became a full-time maker in his Paris workshop in 1960 after showing his work to Robert Bouchet, and in 1967 won top prizes at the legendary Liège competition: a gold medal for craftsmanship and a silver for sound, awarded anonymously by a jury that included Bouchet and Ignacio Fleta.

The elegant body shape and the distinctive headstock with its raised central design make his guitars easy to recognize, and they are known for their unsurpassed aesthetic as well as their beautiful and magisterial quality of tone. Many of the best players in the world have played them, including the Romeros, Manuel Barrueco, Julian Bream, Scott Tennant, Roberto Aussel, Eduardo Fernández, Álvaro Pierri and David Tanenbaum.

Concert, Recital and Arpège Models

In the 1960s Friederich built two main lines: the "Concert" model – his most advanced guitar, with a carved head, specially designed machine heads, the finest woods and a serial number on the label – and the less expensive "Recital" and "Arpège" models, which carried no serial number. From 1970 on he made only "Concert" guitars, each label giving the number and year. In his own words, his earlier guitars were "relatively simple, pleasant to play" with a "quite explosive" sound; from about 1973 he increased their weight, for more sustain and a richer, sweeter voice.

Daniel Friederich and GSI

GSI was proud to be Friederich's exclusive worldwide dealer for his new guitars until he retired in 2014, and for over 20 years we received one guitar a year from him. He passed away in Paris on November 4, 2020, at the age of 88 – read our tribute. You can also read Andrea Tacchi's interview with Daniel Friederich.

Books on Daniel Friederich

The bilingual book "Luthier d'Art" is the most complete record of his life and work; Orfeo Magazine No. 2 is devoted to him (see our post or read the issue online), and a 2008 Friederich is among the guitars shown in Orfeo's "34 Classical Guitars in Life Size":

Daniel Friederich 1932-2020: Luthier d'Art

Orfeo Magazine 1-5

Orfeo – 34 Classical Guitars in Life Size