Daniel Friederich
Daniel Friederich is a French luthier (guitar maker) known for his high-quality classical and flamenco guitars. He is considered by many to be one of the best guitar makers in the world, and his instruments are highly sought after by professional musicians and collectors.
Friederich was born in Paris in 1932 and began his career as a luthier in the 1950s. He studied with some of the most respected guitar makers of the time, including Marcel Bultex and Robert Bouchet. Friederich’s early instruments were heavily influenced by the work of these mentors, but he eventually developed his own unique style and approach to guitar making.
Friederich is known for his attention to detail and his use of high-quality materials. He uses only the finest woods for his guitars, including spruce for the tops and various types of rosewood for the backs and sides. He also uses traditional hand-making techniques, such as the “French polish” method of applying shellac to the guitar’s finish. This time-honored method gives Friederich’s guitars a beautiful, natural look and feel.
In addition to his classical and flamenco guitars, Friederich has also made a small number of steel-string acoustics and electric guitars. These instruments are highly prized by collectors and are considered some of the finest examples of Friederich’s work.
Friederich has received numerous awards and accolades for his guitar making, including the “Prix de Luthier” from the city of Paris in 1978 and the “Grand Prix du Disque” for his recording of the classical guitar repertoire with Alexandre Lagoya. He has also been recognized by the French government as a “Maître d’Art,” or Master of Art, in recognition of his contributions to the art of guitar making.
Today, Friederich’s guitars are considered some of the best in the world and are highly sought after by professional musicians and collectors. His instruments are known for their exceptional sound quality, beautiful craftsmanship, and playability.
Here are some additional details about Daniel Friederich and his work as a luthier:
- Friederich’s guitars are known for their exceptional tonal qualities, with a warm and rich sound that is highly prized by classical and flamenco musicians. His guitars are also known for their excellent projection, making them well-suited for solo and ensemble playing.
- Friederich is known for using traditional hand-making techniques in the construction of his guitars. This includes the use of traditional hide glue for the internal bracing, as well as the “French polish” method of applying shellac to the finish. These techniques give his guitars a natural and organic feel, as well as contributing to their exceptional sound quality.
- In addition to his work as a luthier, Friederich is also a skilled player and has recorded several albums of classical guitar music. He has also performed as a soloist with orchestras in Europe and the United States.
- Friederich has made a small number of steel-string acoustics and electric guitars, in addition to his classical and flamenco instruments. These guitars are highly sought after by collectors and are considered some of the finest examples of his work.
- Despite his success as a luthier, Friederich has remained a relatively private figure and has shied away from the spotlight. He is known for his humility and dedication to his craft, and has said that he is more interested in the quality of his instruments than in fame or commercial success.
- Friederich’s guitars are made in small quantities and are highly sought after by collectors and professional musicians. As a result, they can be quite difficult to obtain and are generally quite expensive. However, for those who are able to acquire one of his instruments, they are considered to be well worth the price due to their exceptional sound quality and craftsmanship.
