loading
reading
writing
saving
searching
Vintage Framus 5/95 “Country Western” Acoustic Guitar - $225 (NW Tucson/Catalina)
condition:
good
make / manufacturer:
Framus
QR Code Link to This Post
Framus made quality acoustic and electric instruments in Germany (John Lennon used a Framus Texan on early Beatles recordings), and this is a 100% original survivor. It has a crisp balanced tone, good action, no fret buzz, and good intonation for this type of non compensated bridge saddle. It is set up with new light gauge Martin 12/52 Flexible Core strings.
The good: It features a nice solid spruce top, maple sides, and arched curly maple back, all finished in a well preserved sunburst lacquer finish with minimal checking. The multi-laminated neck is straight and the truss rod is functional. As far as I can tell the neck has never been reset, and it certainly does not need it now. It has a nice rosewood fretboard and bridge, probably Brazilian, and the original stamped Schaller tuners which are a bit tight but hold tune well.
Issues: As one would expect, there are a few nicks and scratches, and a small crack on the lower bout on the treble side, properly repaired and not too noticeable. Part of the original brass script logo is missing-I have a repro decal on order to correct this. The nut is chipped, but it has no real effect due to the presence of a zero fret. It will need a refret eventually-I gingerly dressed and polished the frets and they are fine for the time being. Finally, the lacquer has sunken into the glue line on the scarf joint and stacked heel. It is not structural, has no effect on functionality, and I have decided not to do a respray in the interest of originality.
Bottom line, this is a lovely old gal that deserves to be played and preserved. I don’t have a lot of money tied up in it, and I think it is a steal at $225, cash only, in person transaction, in the Catalina/Oro Valley area. Trades or offers would be considered.
Thanks for looking!