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3 Beatles Guitars '63-64 Framus 12, Hofner Bass, Epi Casino $REDUCED!$ - $1,200
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Here’s an offering of three iconic guitars in a package deal, which are the same (or very similar) models as used by the Beatles in the 1960s! Two of them are modern versions made by the original companies, Hofner and Epiphone; and the third is an all-original 1963-64 Framus 12 string, from the same time and workshop as the one John used in the movie “Help!”, and recorded on the Rubber Soul and Help albums. (John's original Framus was recently found after being ‘lost’ for over 50 years, and it just sold for $2,857,500 at auction in May 2024!)
Included in this collection:
#1: Framus, Germany 1963-64 This original model 5/099 Folkmeister 12 String was made in the same factory in Germany, at approximately the same time period as John's, and is one model higher than the Hootenanny model that John had, having real rosewood sides and back instead of the mahogany. This version is their highest quality 12 string offering at that time, and has the more expensive 'slot headstock' rather than the paddle style. In '63-'64 they made both models with both style headstocks. Although there are some differences, the overall look is very like John's model, and most importantly the sound is identical, mainly due to the unique trapeze style tailpiece and rosewood bridge!
The specs on this model 5/099 are slightly different from the 5/024 model used by John Lennon, but this model can exactly reproduce that "Beatles sound", with its unique, atmospheric tone. The iconic Framus 'pointy pickguard' is slightly larger on this version, and the marquetry inlay pattern around the soundhole is a set of 6 circles of contrasting black and white wood strips, which match the body purfling (binding), capped with an ivoroid ring.
The overall size and construction is just like the guitar Lennon used in 1965, and this instrument is quite playable and sounds just like the one on the recordings! John’s was serial #51083, this one is #44358, making it a bit older, perhaps by a few months.
It has a spruce top, beautiful straight grained rosewood (Brazilian?) back and sides, a straight grained wide mahogany neck with a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and a newer, improved solid rosewood and bone replacement bridge. (The original, screw-adjustable rosewood bridge is included in the case pocket. However, you lose a lot of tone with those old adjustable bridges!) There does not appear to be any cracks or repairs in the wood, and the lacquer has the perfect, vintage ‘craquelure’ pattern to the finish (like an old oil painting) that is exactly what you look for in an antique instrument. It comes in its original wood construction hard shell case, with a classic faux-alligator patterned Tolex covering.
#2: in this package deal is a classic Epiphone Casino full hollow-body, in an attractive ‘OD’ flat green finish; it is in as-new condition and it comes with its original Epiphone-brand hard-shell arch-topped case. It is a very lightweight guitar, it has nice comfy action, and the P90 pickups are very versatile and sound great. I’m including the matching green Souldier USA brand strap! (a $70 value) :)
The Epiphone Casino was such a popular guitar with the Beatles; Paul, John, and George each had one! It’s a full hollow-body instrument (no solid center block), which gives it a very unique and lively sound! It is also very lightweight and comfortable to play. The action is low, and it sounds great either clean, or overdriven! I believe that Paul used his Casino for the solos in Taxman, and the heavy riff in Helter Skelter, while John used his on Revolution and many other songs!
#3: is a very nice recent Hofner “Beatle Bass”, an import modern version of Paul's viola-shaped 1950s electric bass, all black, and in as-new condition. I just strung it up with a brand new set of Rotosound RS88M black nylon wrap bass strings, (identical to what he's using on the rooftop concert in “Get Back”), so you can get that true ‘McCartney’ tone either plugged direct into your recorder, or amped. This iconic little bass sounds, looks, and plays great! It's a very lightweight instrument in 30” scale, and it feels very much like the original 1963 one that I owned many years ago. It has a semi transparent jet black hi-gloss finish; you can just see the figured & flamed maple through the finish; it looks gorgeous! I have no case for this one, but a new hard-shell fitted case for this bass can be ordered for around $100 online, and are very easy to find.
These aren’t the same colors of the versions of these guitars that the Beatles played, but the price is right, and if you’re using them for recording, they will sound the same! ;) These are all in excellent shape and are great sounding and playing examples of classic instruments that will be very useful additions to your stable of gear!
Call if you have any questions.
REDUCED! $1200 (from $1500) cash for all three. I’d prefer to not split them up.
Local cash and carry only.
Calls: 52O 24five-OO9I
No cash apps, codes, etc
If you are reading this, they’re still available.
If you must email, include your phone number if you want a reply.
Thanks for looking!
The only trades I might consider at this time would be a Martin 0 or 00 parlor guitar (Of course I’d add cash for the right instrument), or maybe a clean 1930s 0 or 00 catalog guitar (Kalamazoo, Stella, Washburn, etc), especially if it’s already been professionally restored - (neck reset, frets, braces, etc). If you have something interesting, hit me up with photos, you never know what might work!