2002 Daniel Friederich No. 780 CD/IN

This 2002 Daniel Friederich No. 780 is a cedar and Indian rosewood classical guitar from Paris, in mint condition when it came to GSI – one of the two Friederichs on Scott Morris's Satie CD "Phonology".

In the video above, Scott Morris plays Satie's "Nocturne No. 1" on this guitar.

No. 780: a Friederich in Mint Condition

Although this was a "second hand" instrument, ten years old when it came to us, it was in mint condition – exactly as it was when new. A rare opportunity to own what can only be described literally as a Friederich in absolutely new condition. The label reads "Année 2002, No. 780".

Sound

From one of the most important builders of the 20th century, this guitar represents Daniel Friederich at his absolute best. The tone is like soft, fine silk, with controlled and balanced layers of overtones stacked on the crystal-clear fundamental – "creamy" or "chocolaty", as many have said – and its almost cathedral-like presence gives it more power than a typical Friederich: a true "concert grand" of a guitar.

Scott Morris's "Phonology"

For his book and CD Phonology: the Music of Erik Satie for Guitar, Scott Morris recorded Satie on six French guitars supplied by GSI – among them this 2002 Friederich and its elder sibling, the 1971 Friederich No. 299, along with the 1956 Bouchet and guitars by Field, Rohé and Ligier.

Phonology: the Music of Erik Satie for Guitar (book + CD)

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