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Framus

Framus is a German manufacturer of stringed musical instruments, founded on January 1, 1946, by Fred Wilfer in Bavaria.^[1]
Initially producing violins and expanding into guitars, the company grew rapidly in the post-war era, relocating facilities from Erlangen to Bubenreuth by 1949 and establishing a second factory in Pretzfeld in 1966.^[1]
By the late 1960s, Framus had become Europe's largest guitar producer, employing around 300 workers and outputting over 2,000 instruments monthly, including innovative electric models like the Star Bass endorsed by Bill Wyman and the Hootenanny 12-string used by John Lennon.^[1]
The firm encountered economic challenges from Japanese competition, leading to bankruptcy in the late 1970s.^[1]
Revived in 1995 under a new business model emphasizing heritage designs, Framus continues production of high-quality guitars and basses, maintaining family ownership into the third generation.^[1]^[2]

Origins and Early History

Founding and Post-War Establishment

Fred Wilfer, born in 1917 in Schönbach (now Luby u Chebu) in the Sudetenland region of Bohemia—a historic center of violin craftsmanship—faced displacement following World War II due to the planned expulsion of Sudeten Germans by Allied authorities.^[1] In 1945, anticipating these expulsions, Wilfer contacted Bavarian officials to facilitate the resettlement of instrument makers from his hometown, securing support from the regional government to establish a new hub for musical instrument production in the Erlangen district.^[1] His anti-Fascist classification by Czechoslovakian authorities aided in obtaining permission from the U.S. military government to start operations.^[1] On January 1, 1946, Wilfer founded the Franconian Musical Instruments Manufacture Fred Wilfer—abbreviated as FRAMUS—in Erlangen, Bavaria, marking it as the first post-war company in the region dedicated to manufacturing and repairing stringed instruments.^[1] ^[3] The enterprise initially focused on employing displaced luthiers, with the first group of violin makers from Schönbach arriving in Erlangen by March 1946, enabling rapid resumption of violin production alongside zithers and basic guitars.^[1] This setup addressed the immediate needs of resettled craftsmen while laying the groundwork for a centralized Franconian musical instrument industry.^[3] Operations expanded quickly amid post-war recovery; by autumn 1946, the company relocated to a barracks camp in Moehrendorf, then to Baiersdorf by late 1948, before consolidating in Bubenreuth—a Frankish town in the Erlangen district—by the end of 1949.^[1] A dedicated factory in Bubenreuth opened in summer 1954, spanning 2,200 square meters and employing 170 workers to produce over 2,000 instruments monthly, solidifying Framus as a key player in Bavaria's emerging musical instrument sector.^[1] This progression transformed scattered refugee efforts into a structured manufacturing base, capitalizing on the region's timber resources and skilled labor influx.^[4]

Initial Instrument Production

Framus commenced instrument production in autumn 1946 at a makeshift facility in the Moehrendorf barracks near Erlangen, initially prioritizing violins to capitalize on the expertise of approximately 100 displaced luthiers from the Czech music town of Schönbach (now Luby), whose first contingent arrived in March of that year.^[1] These early efforts focused on traditional bowed string instruments, reflecting the company's roots in violin-making traditions amid post-World War II reconstruction constraints, including material shortages and the need to reestablish craftsmanship in Bavaria.^[1] Production remained modest in scale during this phase, emphasizing quality handcrafting over volume, with no documented electric or amplified models at inception. By late 1948, rapid initial growth necessitated relocation to larger premises in Baiersdorf, followed by another move to Bubenreuth by the end of 1949, where the firm integrated into a burgeoning cluster of string instrument workshops.^[1] The product line expanded beyond violins to include zithers and conventional acoustic guitars, aligning with demand for fretted Western-style instruments in the emerging post-war European market.^[5] Double basses and banjos also entered production around this period, diversifying output while maintaining a focus on acoustic stringed instruments suited to classical and folk ensembles.^[6] The transition to electric guitars occurred in the early 1950s, driven by rising popularity of amplified music, though pre-1950s guitar production details remain sparsely documented.^[7] The first notable electric model, a signature 5/120 for guitarist Billy Lorento (later Bill Lawrence), debuted in 1953, featuring a spruce top, maple back and sides, rosewood fretboard, and Framus single-coil pickups.^[7] By summer 1954, Framus had outgrown prior facilities, opening a modern 2,200-square-meter factory in Bubenreuth with 170 employees capable of exceeding 2,000 instruments per month, signaling the shift toward scaled manufacturing of both acoustic and nascent electric lines.^[1]

Expansion and Innovation (1950s–1960s)

Key Model Developments

Framus began transitioning from acoustic archtops to electric models in the late 1950s, driven by the rise of rock 'n' roll and American influences on German musicians. Initial electrics were often semi-hollow or hollowbody designs with added pickups, building on traditional luthiery techniques. A pivotal collaboration with pickup designer Bill Lawrence (known as Billy Lorento) started in 1953, yielding innovative features like improved electromagnetic pickups that enhanced sustain and tonal versatility.^[1]^[8] In 1957, Framus introduced the "Peter-Kraus-pop-song-guitar," a specialized 4-string electric tailored for pop performer Peter Kraus, reflecting early customization for emerging genres. By 1958, the company entered solidbody production with the Hollywood model (5/131 series), initially featuring a hollowbody construction with solid maple top and sides, single-cutaway body, and single-coil pickups; this marked Framus's bid to compete in the growing solidbody market, evolving to twin-cutaway designs by 1961 for better upper-fret access.^[1]^[9]^[10] The early 1960s saw the debut of the Strato series, Framus's response to Fender's Stratocaster, with models like the Strato de Luxe (5/168-54, introduced around 1963) featuring offset double-cutaway solid alder or ash bodies, bolt-on maple necks, synchronized tremolo bridges, and configurations of two or three brass-covered single-coil pickups selectable via multiple switches for diverse tones. Variants such as the Golden Strato de Luxe added cosmetic flourishes and volume swells, while the 1965 Strato Deluxe incorporated an onboard "Organtone" effect for organ-like sounds, showcasing Framus's push toward built-in electronics.^[11]^[12]^[13] On the bass front, the Star Bass (5/150 series) emerged in 1964, gaining prominence through a three-year endorsement by Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman; it featured a semi-hollow body, two humbucking pickups, and a 34-inch scale for punchy low-end response suited to rock ensembles. Acoustic-electrics like the 1965 Hootenanny 12-string, acquired by John Lennon, and the Texan 12-string further diversified offerings amid the folk-rock boom. These developments, fueled by the Beatles-inspired demand, positioned Framus as Europe's leading guitar producer by the late 1960s, with output scaling via a new factory in 1966.^[1]^[14]

International Market Penetration

Framus achieved notable international market penetration during the 1950s and 1960s through targeted exports, strategic distributors, and endorsements by high-profile musicians, transitioning from a regional producer to a globally recognized brand. Exports, primarily to the United States, formed the backbone of growth, with Philadelphia Music acting as the primary American distributor to facilitate entry into the competitive North American market.^[15] This export focus propelled prosperity as early as the early 1950s, aligning with expanded production capabilities following the opening of a new factory in 1954 that enabled output exceeding 2,000 instruments per month.^[1] In the United Kingdom, Framus benefited from post-war import embargoes that restricted American guitars until 1961, creating opportunities for European manufacturers; distributors like Boosey & Hawkes handled models such as the Zenith, which gained traction among British musicians.^[1]^[16] Endorsements further amplified presence: Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman entered a three-year agreement for the Star Bass model in 1964, while John Lennon acquired a Hootenanny 12-string acoustic guitar in 1965, enhancing visibility in the emerging rock scene.^[1] Stateside adoption was bolstered by jazz luminaries, including bassist Charlie Mingus and guitarist Jim Hall, who endorsed Framus instruments during the 1960s, appealing to professional players seeking versatile European alternatives to dominant American brands.^[1] These celebrity associations, combined with a second factory opened in Pretzfeld in 1966, supported scaling to approximately 300 employees by the late 1960s, solidifying Framus as Europe's largest guitar manufacturer and extending its reach beyond continental borders.^[1]

Decline and Bankruptcy (1970s)

Economic Pressures and Competition

In the early 1970s, Framus encountered severe competitive pressures from Japanese guitar manufacturers, including Ibanez and Yamaha, which began flooding international markets with affordable, mass-produced solid-body electric guitars that closely replicated popular American designs from Fender and Gibson.^[17] These imports benefited from Japan's lower labor costs, advanced manufacturing efficiencies, and aggressive pricing strategies, often described as "dumping" to capture market share, undercutting European producers like Framus that relied on higher-wage skilled craftsmanship in West Germany.^[1] Framus's traditional strengths in archtop acoustics, semi-hollow electrics, and custom hollow-body models proved less adaptable to the era's dominant shift toward solid-body instruments, driven by rock and fusion genres that favored brighter tones and higher output for amplification.^[17] Export-dependent sales, which had fueled Framus's 1960s growth, declined as U.S. and European retailers increasingly stocked Japanese alternatives offering comparable quality at 30-50% lower prices, exacerbating inventory buildup and cash flow strains.^[1] Macroeconomic headwinds compounded these challenges; West Germany's post-1973 oil crisis economy saw inflation peak at 7.9% in 1974 and unemployment rise above 4%, squeezing consumer spending on non-essential goods like musical instruments while inflating Framus's production costs for imported woods and components. Internal factors, including slower innovation in solid-body lines and rigid unionized labor structures, further hampered competitiveness against agile Asian rivals. By mid-1975, these pressures culminated in Framus's bankruptcy filing, halting operations at its Bubenreuth facility and idling approximately 300 workers.^[17]^[1]

Path to Insolvency

By the early 1970s, Framus encountered mounting economic pressures within the global musical instrument market, exacerbated by the 1973 oil crisis that drove up production costs in Western Europe through higher energy prices and inflation.^[1] These macroeconomic challenges strained German manufacturers reliant on export markets, as rising labor and material expenses in the Federal Republic of Germany reduced competitiveness against lower-cost producers elsewhere.^[18] A primary driver of Framus's decline was aggressive competition from Japanese firms, which employed price dumping strategies to flood international markets with affordable electric guitars and basses, often replicating popular Western designs at fractions of the cost.^[1] Japanese brands like Ibanez and Yamaha capitalized on efficient manufacturing and economies of scale, undercutting Framus's pricing on semi-hollow and archtop models that had defined its earlier success.^[18] This external pressure coincided with shifting consumer preferences toward solid-body electrics from American and Japanese makers, diminishing demand for Framus's traditional European-style instruments.^[19] Internal factors, including potentially rigid production methods and failure to swiftly innovate cost-effective alternatives, compounded these vulnerabilities, though precise details remain limited due to the loss of company archives following closure.^[1] Framus's export-dependent model, which had fueled growth in the 1950s and 1960s, proved unsustainable amid eroding market share and squeezed margins, leading to insolvency proceedings in mid-1975.^[18] The bankruptcy marked the end of independent operations, with the factory in Hirsau winding down and much of the brand's infrastructure dismantled.^[1]

Revival and Contemporary Operations

Warwick Acquisition and Rebranding

In 1995, Hans-Peter Wilfer, son of Framus founder Fred Wilfer, revived the Framus brand under his company Warwick GmbH & Co. Music Equipment KG in Markneukirchen, Germany, following the original firm's bankruptcy in the 1970s.^[1] This revival integrated Framus production into Warwick's facilities, utilizing the latter's established manufacturing capabilities in the Vogtland region, a historical center for German luthiery.^[20] The rebranding repositioned Framus as a premium marque focused on high-end electric guitars and basses, distinct from its postwar origins in mass-producing violins, acoustics, and entry-level electrics.^[21] New models emphasized custom shop builds with exotic woods, advanced electronics, and ergonomic designs, such as the Panthera and Diablo series, targeting professional musicians rather than broad consumer markets.^[22] Warwick's ownership enabled shared resources for quality control and innovation, including sustainable wood sourcing and CNC-assisted craftsmanship, while preserving Framus's heritage through limited-edition reissues.^[23] Marketing under the revived banner adopted the slogan "FRAMUS IS BACK," signaling a return to prominence with endorsements from artists like those in rock and metal genres, and expanded global distribution through Warwick's network.^[1] By 2017, marking Framus's 70th anniversary, the brand had solidified its niche as a boutique extension of Warwick, producing fewer but higher-value instruments compared to the original era's output of thousands annually.^[23]

Modern Production and Quality Improvements

Following its revival in 1995 under Warwick GmbH & Co Music Equipment KG, Framus production shifted to a modern facility in Markneukirchen, Germany, where manufacturing combines handcrafting with automated precision tools.^[1]^[24] The process employs cutting-edge machinery, such as the world's only fretboard processing unit, which automates radius shaping, fret slotting, pressing, and truss rod installation to ensure consistent quality across instruments.^[25] Strictly controlled environments maintain humidity and temperature from wood selection through assembly, reducing defects and enhancing stability.^[21] Key quality advancements include UV-cured nitrocellulose lacquers, which dry rapidly without chemical solvents, yielding bubble-free finishes with improved durability and aesthetics over traditional methods.^[21] Sustainability measures feature a self-sustaining energy system powered by solar panels and combustion of production wood waste for heating, alongside sourcing from certified sustainable timber supplies.^[26]^[27] Post-2000s models exhibit refined fit and finish, superior stock pickups, and enhanced ergonomics, as noted by users comparing 2007–2008 instruments to those from 2018 onward.^[28] The Custom Shop offers bespoke builds using premium, sustainably grown woods and personalized specifications, further elevating quality for professional musicians.^[27]

Instrument Models and Technical Features

Electric Guitars and Basses

Framus commenced production of electric guitars in the 1950s, with models influenced by American designs amid the rise of rock 'n' roll in post-war Germany.^[11] By the late 1950s, electrics became the company's bestsellers, propelled by the global demand sparked by the Beatles phenomenon.^[1] Solidbody guitars featured maple bodies, often with contours mimicking Fender or Gibson shapes, and scale lengths such as 24 5/8 inches on Strato Deluxe models.^[29] Pickups varied from single-coils to humbuckers, with electronics including multiple tone and volume controls.^[9] Prominent vintage electric guitar models included the Hollywood (introduced 1958, model 5/128), evolving from semi-hollow to solidbody construction, and the Strato series like Strato 6 (model 10210) and Strato de Luxe, known for slim necks and versatile pickup configurations.^[9] The Nashville Standard (model 11010) and its De Luxe variants offered premium builds with humbucker pickups, while innovative designs encompassed the 12-string Strato 12 (model 5/055) and copies of Les Paul and Telecaster types.^[9] Electric basses emerged alongside guitars, with the Hollywood Bass (model 5/148, late 1950s) featuring semi-solid bodies and the Star Bass series (model 5/150, from 1964) gaining endorsement from Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman.^[30]^[1] Models like the Nashville Standard (model 12550) and De Luxe (12650) replicated high-end American jazz bass aesthetics, while the BL-12 stood out for its robust construction amid competition from affordable imports.^[30] Thinline basses, such as variants of the Atlantic, provided lighter semi-acoustic options with pointy cutaways and guitar-friendly scales.^[31] Following bankruptcy in the late 1970s and revival in 1995 under Warwick GmbH, Framus shifted to premium electric production in Germany.^[1] Modern electrics emphasize custom builds, with the Panthera series featuring mahogany bodies, carved tops, bolt-on necks, and 25.5-inch scales for extended-range models up to 7 strings.^[32] The Diablo and Mayfield lines incorporate high-output humbuckers and ergonomic designs tailored for progressive and rock genres.^[33] Contemporary basses maintain heritage elements like the Star Bass reissues but utilize advanced materials for improved sustain and playability.^[34] Production occurs at Warwick facilities, prioritizing individual customization over mass output.^[11]

Acoustic and Other String Instruments

Framus produced acoustic guitars in both flat-top folk/western styles and archtop configurations, with the majority manufactured during the 1960s.^[35] The folk/western line, launched in the early 1960s, encompassed models such as the Dix, King, Gaucho, and Jumbo, designed for country and western music scenes.^[36] Among these, the Texan (model 5/296) stood out as a top-selling variant, available in 6- and 12-string forms with features including maple tops and arched laminated backs, multi-ply necks, rosewood fingerboards, and finishes like shaded brown, natural, or black rose sunburst.^[36] ^[37] Archtop acoustics, intended for jazz and ensemble playing, featured carved or arched tops with f-holes; the Black Rose served as a design prototype, influencing models like the Hobby 5/50 (circa 1959), Sorella (5/54 or 5/52 series), Stella, and 551 from the late 1950s through the 1960s.^[38] ^[39] These instruments typically incorporated spruce or maple tops, with sunburst finishes common on higher-end examples.^[40] Beyond guitars, Framus manufactured other stringed instruments, including 5-string and tenor banjos, 6-string banjos (banjitars), and lap steel guitars, expanding their output to encompass a broad range of fretted instruments during the postwar era.^[41] ^[42] This diversification positioned Framus as one of the world's largest producers of stringed instruments by the 1970s.^[5]

Notable Users and Cultural Influence

Endorsements During Peak Era

Framus garnered significant endorsements from rock and jazz musicians during its peak manufacturing period in the 1950s and 1960s, bolstering its reputation for quality instruments amid growing international demand. Bassist Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones signed a three-year sponsorship contract in 1964 through Dallas Ltd. in London to promote the Framus Star Bass (model 5/150), which he played on early hits including "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" precursors like "Come On" and "Not Fade Away," contributing to the model's iconic status in British Invasion-era music.^[1]^[43] Guitarist John Lennon purchased a Framus Hootenanny 12-string acoustic (model 5/024) in late 1964, debuting it during the Beatles' Help! album sessions in 1965, where it appeared in the film and recordings such as "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away"; George Harrison also used the instrument, underscoring Framus's appeal to leading British rock acts.^[1]^[44] The guitar's provenance was confirmed in 2024 when it sold at auction for $2.85 million after decades lost.^[44] In jazz, bassist Charles Mingus and guitarist Jim Hall endorsed Framus models during the 1960s, aligning with the brand's expansion into American markets and its double basses and archtops favored for their tonal versatility.^[1] German pop singer Peter Kraus received a custom four-string "Peter-Kraus-pop-song-guitar" in 1957, tailored for his hits and marking one of Framus's early celebrity collaborations in Europe.^[1] Jazz guitarist Attila Zoller utilized an AZ-10 prototype archtop in the 1950s Frankfurt scene, while pickup designer Billy Lorento (later Bill Lawrence) maintained a long-term partnership starting in 1953, influencing signature electric models like the 5/120.^[45]^[1] These endorsements, often tied to specific models and promotional deals, helped Framus compete with American brands, though documentation relies heavily on manufacturer records and artist biographies, with some uses anecdotal rather than formal contracts.^[45]

Adoption in Modern Music

Following the 1995 revival under Warwick ownership, Framus instruments gained renewed traction among contemporary rock and metal musicians, particularly through signature models tailored to high-profile artists. Devin Townsend, the Canadian progressive metal musician, adopted Framus guitars prominently, leading to the development of the Stormbender Artist Series in 2018, featuring a resonant alder body and active electronics suited for his expansive soundscapes.^[46] Similarly, William DuVall of Alice in Chains collaborated on the Talisman model, inspired by his personal design preferences for balanced tone and playability in modern hard rock contexts.^[47] Guitarist Mark Morton of Lamb of God incorporated the Framus Renegade Pro into his setup, visibly using the burgundy variant in the 2006 music video for "11th Hour" from the album Sacrament, highlighting its suitability for aggressive groove metal riffing with mahogany construction and high-output pickups.^[48] Earl Slick, renowned for his work with David Bowie and as a session player, endorsed Framus through signature series models like the Mayfield and custom Tennessee variants starting around 2009, praising their vintage-inspired aesthetics combined with modern reliability for rock performances.^[49] These endorsements reflect Framus's appeal in blending historical craftsmanship with contemporary specifications, attracting artists seeking distinctive alternatives to dominant American brands. On the bass front, Framus models have seen use by fusion and rock bassists associated with the Warwick family, such as Scott Reeder of Kyuss and Fu Manchu, who featured Framus basses in videos from the early 2010s, valuing their punchy tone for stoner and alternative metal.^[50] Paul Templing of the power metal band Gloryhammer received custom WH1 signature guitars in 2024, demonstrating ongoing adoption in symphonic metal circles.^[51] Overall, while not as ubiquitous as in the mid-20th century, Framus's modern lineup has carved a niche among genre-specific innovators, supported by direct factory collaborations that ensure instrument customization aligns with performers' technical demands.^[52]

Quality Assessments and Criticisms

Variations in Vintage Build Quality

Framus instruments manufactured during the company's original run from 1946 to 1975 exhibited significant variations in build quality, primarily driven by model tier and export market demands. Entry-level acoustics and electrics, which formed the bulk of shipments to North America, typically employed plywood bodies, ladder bracing, brass frets, shorter scale lengths, and metal tailpieces to reduce costs while ensuring basic durability.^[53]^[54] These features rendered the guitars robust against rough handling but compromised tonal resonance and playability, with reports consistently describing them as overbuilt yet sonically inferior.^[54]^[55] Higher-tier professional models, less common in export markets, incorporated solid tonewoods, refined joinery, and premium hardware, yielding superior sustain, projection, and ergonomic design.^[54] For instance, select 1960s archtops differed across sub-models in material selection and craftsmanship, influencing factors such as sound profile, neck stability, and overall value, with rarer variants commanding higher collector premiums due to enhanced build standards.^[56] Solidbody electrics like the Strato series from the mid-1960s onward generally received praise for their sturdy construction and value retention, often valued between $650 and $800 in excellent condition as of 2019 assessments.^[57] As production expanded through the 1960s and into the 1970s to capitalize on electric guitar demand, some inconsistencies arose, including occasional intonation challenges from vintage-spec bridges and long-term structural vulnerabilities like neck warping in acoustics exposed to humidity fluctuations.^[58]^[59] Despite these, Framus upheld relatively stringent quality oversight, as evidenced by sample evaluations from the mid-1970s noting adherence to specifications even in rushed prototypes.^[60] Overall, while entry-level vintages prioritized mass affordability, premium lines demonstrated the marque's capability for high-end lutherie, contributing to its reputation among European professionals before the 1975 bankruptcy.^[61]

Reception of Revived Line

The revived Framus line, relaunched by Warwick in 1995 following the brand's insolvency in 1979, has generally received positive feedback from musicians and reviewers for its high build quality and modern interpretations of vintage designs.^[62] Professional-grade models, such as the Pro Series Teambuilt Television, have been praised for exceptional playability, versatile tones, and ergonomic updates to classic profiles, earning a 4.5 out of 5 rating in a 2018 review that highlighted its superiority in feel over some competitors despite minor accessory shortcomings like a subpar gigbag.^[63] User forums and enthusiast discussions often commend the revived instruments for robust construction, with necks described as beefy yet comfortable, large frets for easy playability, and overall fit-and-finish rivaling premium brands like Gibson.^[61]^[28] Recent production iterations, particularly from the late 2000s onward, feature improved pickups and hardware that deliver strong stock performance, positioning them as reliable choices for professional use without necessitating immediate upgrades.^[28] Criticisms, though less prevalent, include occasional design flaws such as neck dive on certain models like the Idolmaker and inconsistencies in lower-tier acoustics compared to the brand's historical peaks.^[64] Some players note that while modern Framus evokes the brand's East German heritage of solid craftsmanship, it does not universally surpass the bespoke quality of pre-1970s originals, leading to preferences among collectors for vintage specimens.^[55] Nonetheless, the line's adoption by contemporary artists and its showcase at events like NAMM have bolstered its reputation, with models like the Vintage Hollywood Doublecut lauded for blending retro aesthetics with reliable modern electronics in a 2011 assessment.^[10]^[65]

References

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Framus History
Framus was founded in 1946 by Fred Wilfer, became a major guitar manufacturer, went bankrupt in the late 1970s, and returned in 1995.
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Official Framus Guitars Facebook Page Quality & Heritage since 1946. 🎸 Family-owned in the third generation. Crafting high quality guitars made in Germany.
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Entrepreneur and Visionary - Fred Wilfer's 100th Birthday
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Founded in 1946, Framus began crafting instruments of all caliber - from upright basses and banjos to electric guitars.<|control11|><|separator|>
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### Summary of Framus Initial Production (1940s-1950s)
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Up for sale is a very cool German made Framus Caravelle hollow body guitar from the late '60s. This model is rare in general, but this version with the painted ...
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Rating 4.0 · Review by Paul DayDec 21, 2011 · In 1961, keeping pace with changing guitar design trends, the Hollywood switched to a twin-cutaway shape and then by the mid-'60s the range ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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Framus is a conflation of FRAnconian MUSical instruments. Framus became the largest guitar producer in Europe during the 1950s.
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Andrew Basa here is a contribution to your Framus thread. - Facebook
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A small, light, semi-acoustic electric bass with a pointy cutaway, pickup plate, and a scale that made it playable for guitar players.
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Out of stockFeatures. Framus D-Series Panthera 7 righthand version 7-string electric guitar 25.5" (64.8 cm) scale. Bolt-in construction. Mahogany body with carved top
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In the Framus Custom Shop we follow the motto “If you can dream it, we can build it” to create innovative, maximally individual guitar designs.
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[36]
Folk/Western - Framus Vintage
Framus had a folk/western production line in the early sixties that consisted of the models Dix, King, Gaucho and Jumbo.Missing: 1940s 1950s<|separator|>
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5/296 (06100) Texan (12) - Framus Vintage
Specifications · brown shaded, natural, black rose sunburst finish · Maple top, bottom arched&laminated · Maple or Multi-Ply neck · Rosewood fingerboard · pickguard ...
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Archtop - Framus Vintage
Archtop is normally an acoustic guitar with an arched top and mostly with f-holes. The prototype of the Framus design was the Black Rose.
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Used Framus Archtop Acoustic Guitars - Reverb
4.7 5.4K · $2,500 deliveryUsed Framus Archtop Acoustic Guitars · 30 Results · 1959 Framus "Stella" Acoustic Archtop · 1960 Framus Sorella Archtop Cello Guitar Model F5/59 - Sunburst.
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Framus 5/50 Hobby archtop guitar demo 1959 - YouTube
Jul 14, 2023 · This is a short impro/jam recorded with my phone to show how the instrument sounds. Check out my shop and my website: ...
[41]
Framus Hollywood Review | Warwick Forum
Oct 21, 2011 · The new 24 3/4"-scale Hollywood DC is based on the original Hollywood 5/131—a model that originated as Framus' late-'50s bid to meet the demand ...
[42]
Early 70s FRAMUS instruments.... - Telecaster Guitar Forum
Dec 30, 2007 · We've got an older Framus 6-string banjo (banjitar). Very cool as a novelty, plays decent, sounds OK. Doesn't hold tune well or project much.
[43]
Bill Wyman - Framus Vintage
Bill Wyman then went under contract with Dallas Ltd. (London) in 1964 to promote the Framus Star bass. The prospective superstar made this instrument famous ...Missing: endorsement | Show results with:endorsement
[44]
John Lennon's Lost 'Help!' Hootenanny Sells for $2.85 Million at ...
May 29, 2024 · John Lennon acquired this Framus Hootenanny in late 1964, and it made recording debut during the 1965 Help! sessions where it was photographed ...
[45]
Artists - Framus Vintage
The following artists and / or bands played Framus instruments in the 50s, 60s and 70s. We look forward to further information and photos on the subject!Missing: 1950s 1960s
[46]
Framus conjures the Stormbender Artist Series for Devin Townsend
Jun 14, 2018 · Framus has just announced its Stormbender Devin Townsend Artist Series model – and it looks pretty stunning, as you would expect from this ...
[47]
Framus Artist Line: 2 New D-Series Signature Models - Warwick Shop
The almost symmetrical body shape of the Talisman grew out of a design by William DuVall that was inspired by his lady Teresa. The guitar has a full, resonant ...Missing: endorsements | Show results with:endorsements
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Mark Morton, Lamb of God Guitarist Gear | Equipboard
In the "11th Hour" music video, Mark Morton can be seen using the Framus Renegade Pro in Burgundy. more. Find it on: Sweetwater Guitar Center ...
[49]
Review: Framus Earl Slick Signature Series Guitar
Aug 18, 2011 · In this video, Guitar World's Paul Riario reviews the Framus Earl Slick Signature Series guitar.
[50]
FRAMUS & WARWICK - Meet the Players - Scott Reeder - YouTube
Oct 20, 2013 · FRAMUS & WARWICK - Meet the Players - Scott Reeder · Comments.
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DEMO with GLORYHAMMER's PAUL TEMPLING - YouTube
Jun 1, 2024 · Join Paul Templing from the band Gloryhammer, as he visits the Framus factory to unveil his custom WH1 signature guitars.Missing: contemporary musicians
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en/Framus--Artists--Artists.html
Blackbyrd McKnight / Parliament/Funkadelic, The Headhunters, Miles Davis, Charles LLoyd, Sonny Rollins, Red Hot Chili Peppers. United States.
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Information on German-Vintage-Guitars | MICHAEL MESSER FORUM
Nov 25, 2014 · Most of them were cheap guitars with plywood bodies, small necks,shorter scales, brass frets, ladder bracing and metal tailpieces. They were made from the 50s ...
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Vintage Framus Guitar Model? - The Acoustic Guitar Forum
Sep 28, 2024 · Framus guitars were usually quite good quality. Made in Bavaria, east Germany or Czechoslovakia, somewhere like that. I had an arch top that was ...Framus guitars - The Acoustic Guitar ForumVintage Framus Guitar Model? - The Acoustic Guitar ForumMore results from www.acousticguitarforum.com
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Framus guitars - The Acoustic Guitar Forum
Jun 15, 2014 · Framus (which is correctly pronounced "FRAH-moose," not "FRAME-us,") was probably the most prolific manufacturer of acoustic guitars in postwar ...Framus "Wonder" Acoustic Value? - Page 2 - Acoustic Guitar ForumFramus guitars - The Acoustic Guitar ForumMore results from www.acousticguitarforum.com
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About the differences between the various sixties archtop models
Jun 10, 2025 · Framus Vintage Guitars | About the differences between the various sixties ... differences in Quality, Sound, Playability, Rarity, and Value? And ...Framus guitar models and their characteristics - FacebookCan someone tell me more about Framus archtop acoustics? Which ...More results from www.facebook.comMissing: 1950s 1960s 1970s
[57]
Trash or Treasure: Framus Strato Super - Premier Guitar
Jan 13, 2019 · Framus' history begins at the conclusion of World War II, and the division of Germany into two distinct sides: East and West. Framus founder ...
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Framus Vintage Hollywood Singlecut review - MusicRadar
Rating 4.0 · Review by Paul DayDec 21, 2011 · In 1961, keeping pace with changing guitar design trends, the Hollywood switched to a twin-cutaway shape and then by the mid-'60s the range ...
[59]
Framus acoustic problem | The Canadian Guitar Forum
Jun 21, 2010 · Try unstringing it and giving the truss rod a half turn a week until it straightens. A reset won't help much if the neck is really bowed as bad as it sounds.
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Guitar Check (IM May 75) - Framus
I believe this guitar is a sample model and from what I know of Framus's tight quality control I would think that it was probably rushed out to meet a deadline.<|control11|><|separator|>
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Framus Guitars....Yay or Nay??? - The Gear Page
Jan 24, 2006 · All Framus are very well-build quality instruments, have relatively beefy necks, big frets and feel like the guitar-version of ...uhm.... a Warwick bass.Missing: variations | Show results with:variations
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Experience with Framus Guitars? : r/guitarcirclejerk - Reddit
Sep 28, 2025 · The founder of Warwick, Hans-Peter Wilfer (* 1958), is the son of the Framus founder Fred Wilfer (1917–1996). Warwick did some Framus inspired ...
[63]
Framus Pro Series Teambuilt Television Review - Premier Guitar
Rating 4.5 Jun 7, 2018 · Pros: Incredible playability. Excellent tones. Nice modern take on a vintage profile. Cons: Gigbag is a little cheap for a $3,700 guitar. Modern ...
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Framus guitars? : r/guitars - Reddit
Jun 1, 2024 · I haven't played that model, but I've always wanted the Mark Morton sig, I think it's called Dominion? I've played a few, they were solidly ...Mark Morton Signature Les Paul : r/gibson - Redditr/LambofGod - Mark Morton upgradeMore results from www.reddit.com
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Framus & Warwick NAMM Review - TopGuitar.eu
Newly minted Grammy winners Kevin „Brandino” Brandon, Scott Reeder and other notables of the music scene such as Peter Baltes and Wolf Hoffmann of Accept, ...