Framus
Framus
Also known as: Fränkische Musikinstrumentenerzeugung
UnclaimedFramus is a German guitar manufacturer with roots stretching back to 1946, when Fred A. Wilfer founded the company — whose name derives from Fränkische Musikinstrumentenerzeugung (Franconian Musical Instruments Fabrication) — in Erlangen, Germany. Initially producing a wide range of string instruments including violins, cellos, and zithers, the company shifted focus to guitars and basses duri...
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Framus is a German guitar manufacturer with roots stretching back to 1946, when Fred A. Wilfer founded the company — whose name derives from Fränkische Musikinstrumentenerzeugung (Franconian Musical Instruments Fabrication) — in Erlangen, Germany. Initially producing a wide range of string instruments including violins, cellos, and zithers, the company shifted focus to guitars and basses during the 1950s and 1960s, eventually becoming one of the largest guitar producers in Europe. Vintage Framus instruments like the Star Bass, Strato de Luxe, and the Hootenanny acoustic earned a following among prominent musicians of the era, including Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones.
The original company ceased production in 1975, but the Framus brand was revived in 1995 under the ownership of Warwick GmbH & Co Music Equipment KG, headquartered in Markneukirchen in Germany's Vogtland instrument-making region. The modern Framus lineup spans three tiers: Custom Shop Masterbuilt instruments handcrafted by master luthiers, Pro Series Teambuilt guitars made in Germany, and the more affordable D-Series. Core electric guitar models include the Diablo, Panthera, and Idolmaker, alongside signature instruments for artists such as Devin Townsend (the Stormbender), Phil Campbell of Motörhead, and Earl Slick, known for his work with David Bowie. Framus also produces acoustic guitars and maintains an archive of its vintage catalog through the Framus Vintage project.
Framus has 106 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Solid Body Electric Guitars, Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars, and Steel-string Acoustic Guitars. Their gear is featured by 110 artists, with the strongest followings in Rock, Metal, and Pop. Notable users include Devin Townsend, Tyler Larson, and Sébastien Lefebvre. Framus's catalog spans the full price spectrum — from entry-level options to high-end flagships.
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