The Framus Werke Bavaria 12-String: What Wood Are They Made Of?

Framus is a German string instrument manufacturing company that was in operation from 1946 to 1975. The company was revived in 1995 and is currently headquartered in Markneukirchen, Germany, with offices in Shanghai and Nashville. Framus has a history of producing high-quality string instruments, including acoustic and electric guitars. One of their notable products is the Framus Werke Bavaria 12-string guitar, a vintage acoustic guitar from the 1960s. This particular model is the subject of interest, and we will explore whether it is made of wood in the following discussion.

Framus Werke Bavaria Acoustic Guitar model 5HG

The Framus Werke Bavaria Acoustic Guitar model 5HG is a vintage guitar made in West Germany. Framus is a German string instrument manufacturing company that was founded in 1946 by Fred Wilfer, a native of the Bohemian area, which is now known as Luby in the Czech Republic. Wilfer's goal was to provide a new base for his countrymen and the music industry in the west after World War II. The company was originally called "Fränkische Musikinstrumentenerzeugung" ("Franconian Musical Instruments Fabrication"). The name "Framus" is a portmanteau of FRAnconian MUSical instruments.

The Framus Werke Bavaria Acoustic Guitar model 5HG is likely made of wood, as most acoustic guitars are, although the specific type of wood may vary. This particular model includes a shoulder strap, a carrying case, extra strings, and lesson books. It is in light wear condition, with one of the hinges on the case being broken. The guitar measures 18.0" W x 43.0" H x 7.0" D, including the case.

Framus produced a range of acoustic and electric guitars, as well as other stringed instruments such as violins and banjos. The company was particularly successful in the 1950s and 1960s, with their guitars becoming best sellers due to the rising popularity of rock and roll music. Some notable musicians who have played Framus guitars include Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Phil Campbell of Motörhead.

In 1975, Framus closed due to a rapidly changing market, but the brand was revived in 1995 as part of Warwick GmbH & Co Music Equipment KG, based in Markneukirchen, Germany. The company continues to produce musical instruments, including electric guitars, replacement parts, and amplifiers.

Framus 5/296 Texan 12-string

The Framus 5/296 Texan 12-string is a 12-string guitar that is compatible with the 5/024 Hootenanny and 5/019 Camping King. This model was produced from 1966 onwards after production had ceased. The back is a round back with no bracing. The same model has many different specifications because the specifications are often changed, but this one has a bolt-on neck.

The notable features of this particular guitar are its excellent condition and the use of mahogany for the sides and back. Many 5/296s have maple back and sides, but this one stands out with its beautiful mahogany back and sides. The back is truly eye-catching. The scale is approximately 628mm (24.7 inches), and the nut width (0 fret width) is approximately 43 mm (1.6 inches), which is a thin neck for a 12-string guitar.

The Framus 5/296 Texan 12-string guitar is a well-known model from the German string instrument manufacturing company, Framus. The company was founded in 1946 by Fred A. Wilfer KG in Erlangen, Germany, and it played a significant role in resettling luthiers displaced from Luby in the Sudetenland. Framus had a folk/western production line in the early 1960s, and the Texan model, available as a 6- or 12-string guitar, became one of the top-selling western models of all time.

The body shape of the 5/296 Texan 12-string is interesting as it resembles a dreadnought but handles more like a 000. It has a shallow, 4" body depth. The top wood is solid spruce, while the back and sides are made of ply figured mahogany, giving it a unique and attractive appearance. The neck is made of super-multi-ply maple, ensuring durability and stability.

Framus's folk/Western production line

Framus is a German string instrument manufacturing company that was founded in 1946 and revived in 1995. The company had a folk/western production line in the early 1960s, which included acoustic models sorted by body type. The models were the Dix, King, Gaucho, and Jumbo. The factory in Bubenreuth also produced the famous Framus Texan, a 6- or 12-string guitar that became one of the top-selling western models of all time.

The country and western scene was more prominent in the USA than in Germany at the time, and this was reflected in the product offerings from the Bubenreuth factory. The Texan model was geared towards the American market and featured a concert-size body and rugged construction. It was built with spruce tonewoods and a maple "C"-style neck, typical of electric guitars. The Texan was designed to be versatile, suitable for both gigging in a roadhouse and playing in the parlor.

The Bubenreuth factory also produced the Nashville series, which included both electric and acoustic guitars known for their high quality. The factory demonstrated creativity in naming their models, with some names reflecting the country and western theme, such as Camping King, Hootenanny, and Blue Ridge, while others had names like Madeira, Venetia, and Honolulu.

The folk/western production line contributed to Framus becoming the largest guitar producer in Europe, employing around 300 workers. The company's guitars were played by famous musicians, including Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Phil Campbell.

Framus's history and revival

Framus is a German string instrument manufacturing company that was founded in 1946 by Fred A. Wilfer. The company was established to help resettle luthiers displaced from Luby in the Sudetenland (now part of the Czech Republic). The name "Framus" is a portmanteau of "Franconian Musical Instruments", designed to highlight that the celebrated violin makers of Schönbach had made Franconia their new home.

In 1946, Wilfer founded the FRAMUS works in Erlangen, Germany, which became the central location for instrument makers from Schönbach. A factory was set up in a former wheel warehouse in Möhrendorf, and by the end of 1948, the factory was moved to a former brewery in the nearby town of Baiersdorf. As the company continued to grow, a larger factory was built in Bubenreuth, Germany, in 1954, to accommodate the 300-strong workforce.

In the 1950s, the electric guitar became the new bestseller, and Framus's sales increased significantly due to the popularity of rock and roll music. This led to technological advancements, such as putting truss rods in guitar necks. By 1966, Framus had become the largest guitar producer in Europe, employing around 300 workers. The company also produced other stringed instruments, including four-string tenor banjos, which were popular among Irish traditional musicians.

Framus's association with famous musicians also contributed to its success. Artists such as Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, Bill Wyman, and Peter Kraus helped to make Framus a world-renowned trademark.

However, in the mid-1970s, Framus faced bankruptcy due to dumping by Japanese companies and other external and internal factors. The company archives were lost during this period, making many aspects of its history unclear.

In 1995, Hans-Peter Wilfer, the son of founder Fred Wilfer, revived the Framus name as part of Warwick GmbH & Co Music Equipment KG in Markneukirchen, Germany. The revived company continued to produce musical instruments, including electric guitars, replacement parts for vintage models, and high-end tube amplifiers.

Framus's famous users

Framus guitars have been played by many famous musicians over the years, including some of the biggest names in rock and roll.

Paul McCartney's first guitar was a Zenith, built by Framus on commission from Boosey & Hawkes. He used the guitar to compose some of his first songs, including "When I'm Sixty-Four", and still owns the instrument. John Lennon also played a Framus guitar, buying a Hootenanny model in 1965, which was occasionally played by George Harrison. Lennon used the guitar in the film Help!, as well as on the songs "It's Only Love" and "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away".

Other famous guitarists who have played Framus instruments include Phil Campbell of Motörhead, Earl Slick (who has played for David Bowie and the New York Dolls), and Peter Kraus, who played various signature models of tenor guitar.

Framus Star Bass guitars were among the first bass guitars imported into Britain in the early 1960s, and were played by many British rock and roll bass guitarists, including Jet Harris, Brian Locking, Brian Gregg, Heinz Burt, and Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones.

More recently, Arcade Fire guitarist Richard Reed Parry has played a vintage Framus Billy Lorento model, and Sébastien Lefebvre of Simple Plan has played Framus Mayfield and Tennessee models.

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