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{{short description|German string instrument manufacturer}} |
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{{Infobox company |
{{Infobox company |
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|name = Framus |
|name = Framus |
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|type = [[privately held corporation|Private]] |
|type = [[privately held corporation|Private]] |
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|genre = |
|genre = |
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|foundation = [[Luby (Cheb District)| |
|foundation = [[Luby (Cheb District)|Luby]], [[Czechoslovakia]] ({{Start date and age|1946}}) |
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|defunct = |
|defunct = 1975–1995 |
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|founder = [[Fred Wilfer]] |
|founder = [[Fred Wilfer]] |
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|location = [[Markneukirchen]], [[Germany]] |
|location = [[Markneukirchen]], [[Germany]] |
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|products = [[Violin]]s<br />[[Viola]]s<br />[[Cello]]s<br />[[Double bass]]es<br />[[Hammered dulcimer|Dulcimer]]s<br />[[Zither]]s<br />[[Lute]]s<br />[[Classical guitar|Classical]], [[archtop guitar|archtop]], [[steel-string acoustic guitar|acoustic]] and [[Electric guitar|electric]] guitars<br />[[Lap steel guitar|Lap]] & [[Pedal steel guitar|pedal]] steel guitars<br />[[Acoustic bass guitar|Acoustic]] & [[Bass guitar|electric]] basses<br />[[Electric upright bass]]es<br />[[Ukulele]]s<br />[[Banjo]]s<br />[[Mandolin]]s<br />[[Guitar amplifier|Amplifier]]s |
|products = [[Violin]]s<br />[[Viola]]s<br />[[Cello]]s<br />[[Double bass]]es<br />[[Hammered dulcimer|Dulcimer]]s<br />[[Zither]]s<br />[[Lute]]s<br />[[Classical guitar|Classical]], [[archtop guitar|archtop]], [[steel-string acoustic guitar|acoustic]] and [[Electric guitar|electric]] guitars<br />[[Lap steel guitar|Lap]] & [[Pedal steel guitar|pedal]] steel guitars<br />[[Acoustic bass guitar|Acoustic]] & [[Bass guitar|electric]] basses<br />[[Electric upright bass]]es<br />[[Ukulele]]s<br />[[Banjo]]s<br />[[Mandolin]]s<br />[[Guitar amplifier|Amplifier]]s |
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|divisions = [[Warwick (company)|Warwick]] [[GmbH]] & [[Kommanditgesellschaft|Co Music Equipment KG]] |
|divisions = [[Warwick (company)|Warwick]] [[GmbH]] & [[Kommanditgesellschaft|Co Music Equipment KG]] |
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|subsid = |
|subsid = Giannini Drums |
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|owner = |
|owner = Hans-Peter Wilfer |
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|homepage = [http://www.framus-vintage.de/ Framus Vintage website]<br />[http://www.framus.de/en/Framus.html Framus International website] |
|homepage = [http://www.framus-vintage.de/ Framus Vintage website]<br />[http://www.framus.de/en/Framus.html Framus International website] |
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|img = |
|img = |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Framus''' is a |
'''Framus''' is a German [[string instrument]] manufacturing company, that existed from 1946 until going bankrupt in 1975. The Framus brand was revived in 1995 as part of [[Warwick (company)|Warwick]] [[GmbH]] & [[Kommanditgesellschaft|Co Music Equipment KG]], in [[Markneukirchen]], Germany. The company's custom shops are located in Markneukirchen, [[Shanghai]], [[New York City]], and [[Nashville]]. |
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== Timeline == |
== Timeline == |
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* 1946: The foundation of '''Fränkische Musikinstrumentenerzeugung''' ("Franconian Musical Instruments Fabrication") by Fred A. Wilfer KG in [[Erlangen]], Germany to help resettle |
* 1946: The foundation of '''Fränkische Musikinstrumentenerzeugung''' ("Franconian Musical Instruments Fabrication") by Fred A. Wilfer KG in [[Erlangen]], Germany, to help resettle [[luthier]]s displaced from [[Luby (Cheb District)|Luby]] in the [[Sudetenland]]). |
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* 1954: A larger factory |
* 1954: A larger factory was built in [[Bubenreuth]], Germany, to house the 300-strong workforce. |
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* 1967: Further expansion |
* 1967: Further expansion saw the building of a second facility in [[Pretzfeld]], Germany. |
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* 1975: The rapidly changing market |
* 1975: The rapidly changing market forced the company into bankruptcy. |
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* 1995: Framus musical instruments |
* 1995: Framus musical instruments resumed production under Warwick GmbH & Co Music Equipment KG. |
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== History == |
== History == |
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=== Early years === |
=== Early years === |
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Framus originated in the town of |
Framus originated in the town of [[Luby (Cheb District)|Luby]] (now in the [[Czech Republic]]), until 1946 known as Schönbach, which was the world centre of making of [[violins]] and other [[string instruments]]. The founder of Framus, Fred Wilfer, was born in the [[Bohemia]]n area in 1917. After [[World War II]], when he heard about plans to expel [[Sudeten Germans]] from post-War II [[Czechoslovakia]], he decided to build up a new basis for his countryman and the music industry in the west. |
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Even before the first train |
Even before the first train transported violin makers from Schönbach to other areas, Wilfer contacted different government authorities in [[Bavaria]] and told them about his plans. The Bavarian government welcomed his approach and asked him to create all the conditions needed for the industry in Bavaria. In 1946, he founded the '''FRAMUS''' works, the name being an acronym of '''FRA'''nconian '''MUS'''ical instruments, and designed to draw attention to the fact that the celebrated violin makers of Schönbach had made [[Franconia]] their new home. |
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When the first train transporting |
When the first train transporting violin makers from Schönbach arrived in Erlangen, Framus was the man in charge of finding housing for them. He also made arrangements for the establishment of the first workshops. |
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=== Progress === |
=== Progress === |
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In March 1946 the first group of Schönbach violin makers arrived in Erlangen, with Fred Wilfer and the refugee commission arranging |
In March 1946, the first group of Schönbach violin makers arrived in Erlangen, with Fred Wilfer and the refugee commission arranging accommodation. A factory was set up in autumn 1946, in a former wheel warehouse in [[Möhrendorf]]. At the end of 1948, the factory was moved to a former brewery in the nearby town of [[Baiersdorf]]. Soon, even that large space proved inadequate. |
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In late 1949 Bubenreuth became the |
In late 1949, Bubenreuth became the centre of settlement for the Schönbach violin makers. There, Wilfer began building one of the most modern factories of the time and, in the summer of 1954, about 170 employees went to work at the new facility. With 2200 square metres of space at their disposal, they were soon producing more than 2000 instruments in a month. |
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<gallery caption="Vintage Framus guitars" mode=packed heights=220 style="float:right;border:1px solid #CCC; background:#F8F9Fa; line-height:110%;"> |
<gallery caption="Vintage Framus guitars" mode="packed" heights="220" style="float:right;border:1px solid #CCC; background:#F8F9Fa; line-height:110%;"> |
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Framus archtop guitar (1959).jpg|Framus archtop {{smaller|(1959)}} |
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Framus archtop guitar of Edward Lund's dad (clip).jpg|Framus archtop |
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<!-- File:Framus architop guitar (2008-04-11 10.48.17 by plenty.r.).jpg|Framus archtop<br/>(left-handed) --> |
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</gallery><!-- gallery mode=packed style="float:left;line-height:110%;"> |
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File:Framus Archtop-Gitarre (1950s), Framus-Museum in Markneukirchen, Musikmesse Frankfurt 2010 (ipernity 7645600.6d5eba87.560).jpg|Framus archtop (1950s) |
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File:Framus 5-150 Star Bass (1960s), Framus-Museum in Markneukirchen, Musikmesse Frankfurt 2010 (ipernity 7645599.579ea61c.560).jpg|Framus 5/150 Star Bass (1960s) |
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File:69erFramus.jpg|Framus acoustic guitar (1969) |
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The guitar |
The [[guitar]]—particularly the [[electric guitar]]—became the new best seller. Sales increased enormously due to the popularity of [[rock and roll]] music at the end of the 1950s. Because of that development, several technologic advances were introduced, such as putting [[truss rod]]s in guitar necks. In 1966, a second factory was built in Pretzfeld, 25 km north of Bubenreuth, in [[Franconian Switzerland]]. Framus became the largest guitar producer in Europe, employing around 300 workers by that time. |
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{{multiple image |direction=horizontal |
{{multiple image |direction=horizontal |
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| image1 = Framus.jpg|width1=90 |
| image1 = Framus.jpg|width1=90 |
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| caption1 = |
| caption1 = Zenith model 17 (played by [[Paul McCartney]]) |
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| image2 = Framus 5-150 Star Bass (1960s) - used by Bill Wyman (Rolling Stones) - HRC Paris (2008-02-12 20.48.37 by Aloba Øyvind Vik).jpg|width2=120 |
| image2 = Framus 5-150 Star Bass (1960s) - used by Bill Wyman (Rolling Stones) - HRC Paris (2008-02-12 20.48.37 by Aloba Øyvind Vik).jpg|width2=120 |
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| caption2 = 5/150 Star Bass |
| caption2 = 5/150 Star Bass (played by [[Bill Wyman]]) |
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| image3 = Framus 4-60 Triumph Bass (front) - Deutsches Museum (2006-04-01 06.22.36 by Andrew Plumb).jpg|width3=93 |
| image3 = Framus 4-60 Triumph Bass (front) - Deutsches Museum (2006-04-01 06.22.36 by Andrew Plumb).jpg|width3=93 |
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| caption3 = 4/60 Triumph Bass |
| caption3 = 4/60 Triumph Bass |
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}} |
}} |
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In the |
In the 1950s, [[Paul McCartney]] owned a model of a Framus [[Ivor Mairants]] "Zenith" guitar. He had originally been given a [[trumpet]] for his 14th birthday in 1956 but realised he could not sing and play a trumpet, so he swapped it for a Framus "Zenith" model 17. He used the guitar to compose some of his first songs, including "[[When I'm Sixty-Four]]". It still hangs in his studio. |
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Although their guitars were more popular by far, Framus made other stringed instruments. In particular, their four-string tenor banjos were very popular among Irish traditional musicians.{{cn|date=June 2022}} |
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=== Bankruptcy === |
=== Bankruptcy === |
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In an interview |
In an interview, Wilfer summarized his all-embracing concept: "It's not only important to produce instruments, over a long period it is important to 'produce customers' ". That motto also related to other Framus projects. Eventually, [[dumping (pricing policy)|dumping]] by companies from [[Japan]], along with other factors, both external and internal, forced Framus into bankruptcy in the mid-1970s. |
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Many aspects of the history of Framus are still |
Many aspects of the history of Framus are still unclear, due to the company archives being lost as a result of the bankruptcy. |
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=== Framus today === |
=== Framus today === |
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In 1995, Hans-Peter Wilfer (son of founder Fred Wilfer) revived the Framus name to produce musical instruments as part of Warwick GmbH & Co Music Equipment KG in Markneukirchen, Germany. Along with a range of electric guitars, the company produces replacement parts |
In 1995, Hans-Peter Wilfer (son of founder Fred Wilfer) revived the Framus name to produce musical instruments as part of Warwick GmbH & Co Music Equipment KG in Markneukirchen, Germany. Along with a range of electric guitars, the company produces replacement parts, such as knobs, tuners, bridges, and tailpieces, for their vintage models, as well as a small range of high-end [[vacuum tube|tube]] [[amplifier]]s. |
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The company produces its instruments and amplifiers using carbon-neutral principles.<ref>{{cite news|title=Climate Partner Database|url=http://cpol.climatepartner.com/pages/popup/verify.jsf?cpID=11117-1301-1001&locale_popup=2|publisher=ClimatePartner GmbH|accessdate=November 24, 2013}}</ref><ref name="carbon neutrality">{{cite news|author=Wacker, Dirk|title=Musicon Valley: The Home of German Lutherie|url=http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/20192?page=4|accessdate=February 20, 2015|newspaper=[[Premier Guitar]]|date=January 16, 2014}} {{smaller|[{{color|#C00|Login needed}}]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Herrera, Jonathan|title=Warwick Bass Camp 2013: The Best of the Bass|url=http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/19723-warwick-bass-camp-2013-the-best-of-the-bass|accessdate=November 21, 2013|newspaper=Premier Guitar|date=September 30, 2013}}</ref> It gets all the electricity it needs through its own natural-gas-powered plant, solar roof-mounted facilities, a boiler fueled by wood waste from its guitars and through wind power.<ref name="carbon neutrality"/><ref>{{cite news|author=Hromadko, Jan|title=German Companies Take Back the Power|url=https://www.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304899704579390871434033460|accessdate=March 31, 2014|newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|date=March 2, 2014}} {{smaller|[{{color|#C00|Subscription needed}}]}}</ref> Wood is from sustainable sources (certified by the [[Forest Stewardship Council]]).<ref>{{cite news|title=FSC Certificate Database|url=http://info.fsc.org/details.php?id=a02400000083kleAAA&type=certificate|publisher=Forest Stewardship Council|accessdate=November 21, 2013}}</ref> The entire production process follows the regulations of the [[European Union]]'s [[Eco-Management and Audit Scheme]], a voluntary program designed to continuously improve companies’ environmental performance.<ref>{{cite news|title=EMAS Registration Database|url=http://ec.europa.eu/environment/emas/register/search/registration.do?registrationId=268501|publisher=European Union/Eco-Management and Audit Scheme|accessdate=November 23, 2013}} {{smaller|[{{color|#C00|Empty result as of 2018-01-19}}]}}</ref> |
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==Products== |
<!-- describe in prose, not lists: ==Products== |
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===Electric Guitars=== |
===Electric Guitars=== --> |
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{{multiple image |direction=horizontal |
{{multiple image |direction=horizontal |
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| image1 = Framus Panthera Pro (2006-05-14 22.02.50 by pedronchi).jpg|width1=80 |
| image1 = Framus Panthera Pro (2006-05-14 22.02.50 by pedronchi).jpg|width1=80 |
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| caption4 = Mayfield <div style="line-height:110%;">{{smaller|(played by [[Earl Slick]])}}</div> |
| caption4 = Mayfield <div style="line-height:110%;">{{smaller|(played by [[Earl Slick]])}}</div> |
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}} |
}} |
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*Framus Panthera |
<!-- *Framus Panthera |
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**Supreme |
**Supreme |
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**Studio |
**Studio |
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**7-string |
**7-string |
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**8-string |
**8-string --> |
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{{multiple image |direction=horizontal |
{{multiple image |direction=horizontal |
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| image3 = Framus AK 1974 & Tennessee Custom, Summer NAMM show 2010.jpg|width3=120 |
| image3 = Framus AK 1974 & Tennessee Custom, Summer NAMM show 2010.jpg|width3=120 |
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| caption4 = <br/>{{nowrap|Renegade Pro}} |
| caption4 = <br/>{{nowrap|Renegade Pro}} |
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}} |
}} |
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*Framus Diablo |
<!-- *Framus Diablo |
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**Progressive |
**Progressive |
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**Supreme |
**Supreme |
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===Acoustic Guitars=== |
===Acoustic Guitars=== |
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*Framus Legacy |
*Framus Legacy |
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*Framus Zenith Model 17 |
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*Framus Hootenanny |
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===Amplifiers=== |
===Amplifiers=== --> |
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{{multiple image |direction=horizontal |
{{multiple image |direction=horizontal |
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| image1 = Framus Cobra Top, Musikmesse Frankfurt 2006.jpg|width1=128 |
| image1 = Framus Cobra Top, Musikmesse Frankfurt 2006.jpg|width1=128 |
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| caption1 = Framus Cobra Top <div style="line-height:110%;">{{smaller|(100W 3-input tube amp head with MIDI control)}}</div> |
| caption1 = Framus Cobra Top <div style="line-height:110%;">{{smaller|(100W 3-input tube amp head with MIDI control)}}</div> |
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| image2 = Framus Ruby Riot.jpg|width2=112 |
| image2 = Framus Ruby Riot.jpg|width2=112 |
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| caption2 = Framus Ruby Riot <div style="line-height:110%;">{{smaller|(2011. |
| caption2 = Framus Ruby Riot <div style="line-height:110%;">{{smaller|(2011. 2×12" 30W all tube amp, with reverb & searing drive)}}</div> |
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}} |
}} |
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*Framus Dragon |
<!-- *Framus Dragon |
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*Framus Cobra |
*Framus Cobra |
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*Framus Ruby Riot |
*Framus Ruby Riot |
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*Framus Red Rogue --> |
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== Notable users == |
== Notable users == |
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⚫ | In the early 1960s, Framus Star Bass guitars were among the first bass guitars imported into Britain. Many of the early British rock and roll bass guitarists—including [[Jet Harris]], [[Brian Locking]], Brian Gregg, [[Heinz (singer)|Heinz Burt]], and [[Bill Wyman]]—played Framus basses. In 1964, Wyman signed a three-year sponsorship deal endorsing the Star bass.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.framus-vintage.de/modules/infos/info.php?katID=4682&cl=EN|title=Bill Wyman|publisher=Framus Vintage Archive|accessdate=April 29, 2015|archive-date=September 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924015125/http://www.framus-vintage.de/modules/infos/info.php?katID=4682&cl=EN|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.framus-vintage.de/modules/infos/info.php?katID=4602&cl=EN|title='Framus – known all over the world'|publisher=Framus Vintage Archive|accessdate=April 29, 2015|archive-date=September 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924015122/http://www.framus-vintage.de/modules/infos/info.php?katID=4602&cl=EN|url-status=dead}}</ref> Guitarists in the [[United States]] who endorsed Framus guitars at that time included [[Charlie Mingus]] and [[Jim Hall (musician)|Jim Hall]]. |
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{{multiple image |direction=horizontal |
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| image1 = Framus Panthera (custom-made) - Phil Campbell (Motörhead), Ursynalia 2013, C04+C06.jpg|width1=120 |
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| caption1 = Framus Panthera with dragon inlay {{smaller|for [[Phil Campbell (musician)|Phil Campbell]], 2013}} |
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| image2 = Framus Panthera with illuminations (custom made) - Phil Campbell (Motörhead), Wacken Open Air 2013 02+03.jpg|width2=126 |
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| caption2 = Framus Panthera <br/>with illumination {{smaller|for Phil Campbell, 2013}} |
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| image3 = Framus Earl Slick model, Anaheim NAMM show, Jan 2013.jpg|width3=125 |
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| caption3 = Framus [[Earl Slick]] model, Anaheim NAMM show, 2013 |
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}} |
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⚫ | In the early 1960s, Framus Star Bass guitars were among the first bass guitars imported into Britain. Many of the early rock and roll |
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* [[Bill Lawrence (guitar maker)|Billy Lorento]] |
* [[Bill Lawrence (guitar maker)|Billy Lorento]] (later known as pickup designer [[Bill Lawrence (guitar maker)|Bill Lawrence]]) played his signature 5/120.<ref name="framus-vintage.de_BillyLorento">{{cite web |title=Billy Lorento |url=http://www.framus-vintage.de/modules/infos/info.php?katID=4610 |work=Framus Vintage Archive {{smaller|(Framus-Vintage.de)}} |accessdate=January 19, 2018}}</ref> |
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* [[ |
* [[Alex G|(Sandy) Alex G]] plays a Framus Panthera.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/on-the-radar-sandy-alex-g|title=On the radar: (Sandy) Alex G|date=18 September 2017}}</ref> |
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* [[Peter Kraus]] played various signature models of [[tenor guitar]], including a small-bodied flat-top acoustic and the two-pickup 5/141 semihollow electric.<ref name="framus-vintage.de_PeterKraus">{{cite web |title=Peter Kraus |url=http://www.framus-vintage.de/modules/infos/info.php?katID=4681 |work=Framus Vintage Archive {{smaller|(Framus-Vintage.de)}} |accessdate=January 19, 2018}}</ref> |
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* [[Jan Akkerman]] plays his signature model.<ref name="framus-vintage.de_JanAkkerman">{{cite web |title=Jan Akkerman |url=http://www.framus-vintage.de/modules/infos/info.php?katID=4686 |work=Framus Vintage Archive {{smaller|(Framus-Vintage.de)}} |accessdate=January 19, 2018 }}</ref> |
* [[Jan Akkerman]] plays his signature model.<ref name="framus-vintage.de_JanAkkerman">{{cite web |title=Jan Akkerman |url=http://www.framus-vintage.de/modules/infos/info.php?katID=4686 |work=Framus Vintage Archive {{smaller|(Framus-Vintage.de)}} |accessdate=January 19, 2018 }}</ref> |
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* [[Lamb of God (band)|Lamb of God]] guitarist |
* [[Lamb of God (band)|Lamb of God]] guitarist Willie Adler uses Framus speaker cabinets with four 12 inch speakers. In their DVD entitled ''[[Killadelphia (video album)|Killadelphia]]'', Adler praises Framus for giving him "A backdrop to fuckin' die for." |
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* [[John Lennon]] bought a |
* [[John Lennon]] bought a Framus Hootenanny in 1965, which [[George Harrison]] occasionally also played. Paul McCartney's first guitar was a Zenith (built by Framus on commission from Boosey & Hawkes), which he still owns.<ref name="Years">Miles, Barry. Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now. Vintage-Random House 1998, {{ISBN|0-7493-8658-4}}.</ref> |
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* [[Phil Campbell (musician)|Phil Campbell]] of [[Motörhead]] uses several Framus guitars.<ref>{{cite news|author=Moseley, Willie G.|title=Philip Campbell |
* [[Phil Campbell (musician)|Phil Campbell]] of [[Motörhead]] uses several Framus guitars.<ref>{{cite news|author=Moseley, Willie G.|title=Philip Campbell – Decibel Level Be Damned|url=http://www.vintageguitar.com/2919/philip-campbell/|accessdate=December 21, 2013|newspaper=[[Vintage Guitar (magazine)|Vintage Guitar]]|date=November 2002}}</ref> |
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* [[Earl Slick]], guitarist for [[David Bowie]] and [[New York Dolls]], uses a Framus signature guitar.<ref>{{cite news|author=Derrough, Leslie Michele|title=Earl Slick: In the studio with David Bowie|url=http://www.glidemagazine.com/22656/earl-slick-in-the-studio-with-david-bowie/|accessdate=July 18, 2014|newspaper=Glide Magazine|date=February 7, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Molenda, Michael|title=Earl Slick's Street Rock Odyssey|url=http://www.guitarplayer.com/miscellaneous/1139/earl-slicks-street-rock-odyssey/22967|accessdate=July 18, 2014|newspaper=[[Guitar Player]]|date=January 30, 2013}}</ref> |
* [[Earl Slick]], guitarist for [[David Bowie]] and [[New York Dolls]], uses a Framus signature guitar.<ref>{{cite news|author=Derrough, Leslie Michele|title=Earl Slick: In the studio with David Bowie|url=http://www.glidemagazine.com/22656/earl-slick-in-the-studio-with-david-bowie/|accessdate=July 18, 2014|newspaper=Glide Magazine|date=February 7, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Molenda, Michael|title=Earl Slick's Street Rock Odyssey|url=http://www.guitarplayer.com/miscellaneous/1139/earl-slicks-street-rock-odyssey/22967|accessdate=July 18, 2014|newspaper=[[Guitar Player]]|date=January 30, 2013}}</ref> |
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* [[ |
* [[Rik Emmett]] ([[Triumph (band)|Triumph]]) played a Framus Akkerman (AK74 or AK1974) early in his career <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/guitar-genre-mismatches-lets-see-them.2154765/page-2|title=Guitar & Genre "Mismatches": Let's See Them!|date=3 June 2020 }}</ref> |
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* [[Phil X]] ([[Triumph (band)|Triumph]], [[Bon Jovi]]) plays a Framus signature model as well.<ref>{{cite news|title=Video: NAMM 2015: Framus|url=http://www.guitarplayer.com/video/gear/4009138624001#|accessdate=March 27, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007001503/http://www.guitarplayer.com/video/gear/4009138624001|archivedate=2016-10-07|newspaper=Guitar Player|date=January 2015}}</ref> |
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* [[Arcade Fire]] guitarist [[Richard Reed Parry]] uses a vintage Framus Billy Lorento model.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://vimeo.com/74214612|title=Video: Reflektor|publisher=Vimeo/Official music video by the band Arcade Fire|accessdate=July 8, 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021222129/https://vimeo.com/74214612|archivedate=2016-10-21}}</ref> |
* [[Arcade Fire]] guitarist [[Richard Reed Parry]] uses a vintage Framus Billy Lorento model.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://vimeo.com/74214612|title=Video: Reflektor|publisher=Vimeo/Official music video by the band Arcade Fire|accessdate=July 8, 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021222129/https://vimeo.com/74214612|archivedate=2016-10-21}}</ref> |
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* [[Devin Townsend]], uses a number of Framus guitars including several custom made guitars of the model AK-1974, Mayfield and a signature model.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3BwXTb5_1o|title=Video: Devin Townsend on his Framus Guitar|publisher=Framus/Warwick|accessdate=December 14, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz3CXJf-NQ4|title=Video: AK1974 "Mandelbrot" for Devin Townsend|publisher=Framus/Warwick|accessdate=December 14, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llTne4JqnyM|title=Video: Devin Townsend AK1974|publisher=Framus/Warwick|accessdate=December 14, 2013}}</ref> |
* [[Devin Townsend]], uses a number of Framus guitars including several custom made guitars of the model AK-1974, Mayfield and a signature model.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3BwXTb5_1o |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/q3BwXTb5_1o |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Video: Devin Townsend on his Framus Guitar|publisher=Framus/Warwick|accessdate=December 14, 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz3CXJf-NQ4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/kz3CXJf-NQ4 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Video: AK1974 "Mandelbrot" for Devin Townsend|publisher=Framus/Warwick|accessdate=December 14, 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llTne4JqnyM |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/llTne4JqnyM |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Video: Devin Townsend AK1974|publisher=Framus/Warwick|accessdate=December 14, 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He also collaborated with the company to develop The Blank model.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gearnews.com/framus-blank-television-guitars-expensive/|title=Framus launches pricey new the Blank and Television guitar models|date = 28 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://topguitar.eu/product-demo-the-blank-with-devin-townsend/|title=Product Demo the Blank with Devin Townsend|date=25 September 2017}}</ref> |
||
⚫ | * [[Stevie Salas]], uses the Framus Idolmaker model, which was developed in a collaboration with him.<ref>{{cite news|author=Varga, George|title=Music & technology merge at NAMM|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/jan/23/namm-show-combines-music-tradition-and-technology/|accessdate=January 24, 2014|newspaper=[[U-T San Diego]]|date=January 23, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Molenda, Michael|title=Framus Idolmaker Five R Reviewed|url=http://www.guitarplayer.com/solidbody-electric/1037/framus-idolmaker-five-r-reviewed/48418|accessdate=February 22, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304052608/https://www.guitarplayer.com/solidbody-electric/1037/framus-idolmaker-five-r-reviewed/48418|archivedate=2016-03-04|newspaper=Guitar Player|date=August 20, 2014}}</ref> |
||
* [[Stevie Salas]], uses the Framus Idolmaker model, which was developed in a collaboration with him.<ref> |
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⚫ | |||
⚫ | {{cite news|author=Varga, George|title=Music & technology merge at NAMM|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/jan/23/namm-show-combines-music-tradition-and-technology/|accessdate=January 24, 2014|newspaper=[[U-T San Diego]]|date=January 23, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Molenda, Michael|title=Framus Idolmaker Five R Reviewed|url=http://www.guitarplayer.com/solidbody-electric/1037/framus-idolmaker-five-r-reviewed/48418|accessdate=February 22, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304052608/https://www.guitarplayer.com/solidbody-electric/1037/framus-idolmaker-five-r-reviewed/48418|archivedate=2016-03-04|newspaper=Guitar Player|date=August 20, 2014}}</ref> |
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⚫ | |||
* [[Simple Plan]] guitarist [[Sébastien Lefebvre]]'s electric guitars include the Framus Mayfield and Tennessee models. He used to play Framus Panthera and Renegade models. He currently uses a Framus Dragon head and cabinet amplifier with his Framus custom model.<ref>{{cite web |first=Sebastien |last=Lefebvre |title=Thanks @warwickframus for this brand new guitar!... |url=http://sebastienlefebvre.ca/post/76330624573/thanks-warwickframus-for-this-brand-new-guitar |accessdate=July 8, 2014 |work=SebastienLefebvre.com }}</ref> |
* [[Simple Plan]] guitarist [[Sébastien Lefebvre]]'s electric guitars include the Framus Mayfield and Tennessee models. He used to play Framus Panthera and Renegade models. He currently uses a Framus Dragon head and cabinet amplifier with his Framus custom model.<ref>{{cite web |first=Sebastien |last=Lefebvre |title=Thanks @warwickframus for this brand new guitar!... |url=http://sebastienlefebvre.ca/post/76330624573/thanks-warwickframus-for-this-brand-new-guitar |accessdate=July 8, 2014 |work=SebastienLefebvre.com }}</ref> |
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* [[Guy Pratt]], who plays with [[Pink Floyd]] and [[David Gilmour]], plays a Framus Triumph.<ref>{{cite web |first=Guy |last=Pratt |url=http://www.guypratt.com/artists/guy-pratt/|title=Guy Pratt|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304091027/http://www.guypratt.com/artists/guy-pratt/|archivedate=2016-03-04|work=GuyPratt.com}}</ref> |
* [[Guy Pratt]], who plays with [[Pink Floyd]] and [[David Gilmour]], plays a Framus Triumph.<ref>{{cite web |first=Guy |last=Pratt |url=http://www.guypratt.com/artists/guy-pratt/|title=Guy Pratt|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304091027/http://www.guypratt.com/artists/guy-pratt/|archivedate=2016-03-04|work=GuyPratt.com}}</ref> |
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* [[Clemens Rehbein]], who plays with Milky Chance, from [[Kassel]], DE uses a Framus Mayfield. |
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* [[William DuVall]], of the American [[grunge]] band [[Alice in Chains]] |
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* [[Kristof Hahn]] of American experimental rock band [[Swans (band)|Swans]] plays a Framus 8 string Lap Steel Guitar. |
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==Further reading== |
==Further reading== |
||
Hoyer, Christian |
*Hoyer, Christian: ''Framus – built in the heart of Bavaria: the history of a German musical instrument manufacturer 1946–1977''. Edition Framus, Markneukirchen 2007, {{ISBN|978-3-940448-01-9}}. |
||
==References== |
==References== |
||
{{Reflist |
{{Reflist}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
||
* |
*{{official|https://www.framus.de/en/Framus.html}} |
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* [http://www.framus-vintage.de/ Framus Vintage website] |
* [http://www.framus-vintage.de/ Framus Vintage website] |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160423212059/http://forum.warwick.de/ Framus Forum (official)] |
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160423212059/http://forum.warwick.de/ Framus Forum (official)] |
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[[Category:Banjo manufacturing companies]] |
[[Category:Banjo manufacturing companies]] |
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[[Category:Markneukirchen]] |
[[Category:Markneukirchen]] |
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[[Category:Musical instrument manufacturing companies of |
[[Category:Musical instrument manufacturing companies of Germany]] |
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[[Category:Companies based in Saxony]] |
[[Category:Companies based in Saxony]] |
Revision as of 23:27, 2 December 2023
Company type | Private |
---|---|
Industry | String instruments |
Founded | Luby, Czechoslovakia (1946 ) |
Founder | Fred Wilfer |
Defunct | 1975–1995 |
Headquarters | Markneukirchen, Germany |
Area served | Global |
Products | Violins Violas Cellos Double basses Dulcimers Zithers Lutes Classical, archtop, acoustic and electric guitars Lap & pedal steel guitars Acoustic & electric basses Electric upright basses Ukuleles Banjos Mandolins Amplifiers |
Owner | Hans-Peter Wilfer |
Divisions | Warwick GmbH & Co Music Equipment KG |
Subsidiaries | Giannini Drums |
Website | Framus Vintage website Framus International website |
Framus is a German string instrument manufacturing company, that existed from 1946 until going bankrupt in 1975. The Framus brand was revived in 1995 as part of Warwick GmbH & Co Music Equipment KG, in Markneukirchen, Germany. The company's custom shops are located in Markneukirchen, Shanghai, New York City, and Nashville.
Timeline
- 1946: The foundation of Fränkische Musikinstrumentenerzeugung ("Franconian Musical Instruments Fabrication") by Fred A. Wilfer KG in Erlangen, Germany, to help resettle luthiers displaced from Luby in the Sudetenland).
- 1954: A larger factory was built in Bubenreuth, Germany, to house the 300-strong workforce.
- 1967: Further expansion saw the building of a second facility in Pretzfeld, Germany.
- 1975: The rapidly changing market forced the company into bankruptcy.
- 1995: Framus musical instruments resumed production under Warwick GmbH & Co Music Equipment KG.
History
Early years
Framus originated in the town of Luby (now in the Czech Republic), until 1946 known as Schönbach, which was the world centre of making of violins and other string instruments. The founder of Framus, Fred Wilfer, was born in the Bohemian area in 1917. After World War II, when he heard about plans to expel Sudeten Germans from post-War II Czechoslovakia, he decided to build up a new basis for his countryman and the music industry in the west.
Even before the first train transported violin makers from Schönbach to other areas, Wilfer contacted different government authorities in Bavaria and told them about his plans. The Bavarian government welcomed his approach and asked him to create all the conditions needed for the industry in Bavaria. In 1946, he founded the FRAMUS works, the name being an acronym of FRAnconian MUSical instruments, and designed to draw attention to the fact that the celebrated violin makers of Schönbach had made Franconia their new home.
When the first train transporting violin makers from Schönbach arrived in Erlangen, Framus was the man in charge of finding housing for them. He also made arrangements for the establishment of the first workshops.
Progress
In March 1946, the first group of Schönbach violin makers arrived in Erlangen, with Fred Wilfer and the refugee commission arranging accommodation. A factory was set up in autumn 1946, in a former wheel warehouse in Möhrendorf. At the end of 1948, the factory was moved to a former brewery in the nearby town of Baiersdorf. Soon, even that large space proved inadequate.
In late 1949, Bubenreuth became the centre of settlement for the Schönbach violin makers. There, Wilfer began building one of the most modern factories of the time and, in the summer of 1954, about 170 employees went to work at the new facility. With 2200 square metres of space at their disposal, they were soon producing more than 2000 instruments in a month.
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Framus archtop (1959)
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Framus archtop
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5/168-54 Strato de Luxe (1960s)
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5/296 Texan 12string (mid 1960s–1970s)
The guitar—particularly the electric guitar—became the new best seller. Sales increased enormously due to the popularity of rock and roll music at the end of the 1950s. Because of that development, several technologic advances were introduced, such as putting truss rods in guitar necks. In 1966, a second factory was built in Pretzfeld, 25 km north of Bubenreuth, in Franconian Switzerland. Framus became the largest guitar producer in Europe, employing around 300 workers by that time.
In the 1950s, Paul McCartney owned a model of a Framus Ivor Mairants "Zenith" guitar. He had originally been given a trumpet for his 14th birthday in 1956 but realised he could not sing and play a trumpet, so he swapped it for a Framus "Zenith" model 17. He used the guitar to compose some of his first songs, including "When I'm Sixty-Four". It still hangs in his studio.
Although their guitars were more popular by far, Framus made other stringed instruments. In particular, their four-string tenor banjos were very popular among Irish traditional musicians.[citation needed]
The company included a musical kindergarten in the Bubenreuth factory. It employed a young teacher, Gertrud Fischer, who used with small, colored "note men" that helped children start learning musical notation at the age of three.
Visitors to the factory in Bubenreuth included the Vienna Saengerknaben (Boys Choir), who performed a special concert in the workshop, and German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, who toured the factory and its musical kindergarten during a visit to the violin-making village.
Bankruptcy
In an interview, Wilfer summarized his all-embracing concept: "It's not only important to produce instruments, over a long period it is important to 'produce customers' ". That motto also related to other Framus projects. Eventually, dumping by companies from Japan, along with other factors, both external and internal, forced Framus into bankruptcy in the mid-1970s.
Many aspects of the history of Framus are still unclear, due to the company archives being lost as a result of the bankruptcy.
Framus today
In 1995, Hans-Peter Wilfer (son of founder Fred Wilfer) revived the Framus name to produce musical instruments as part of Warwick GmbH & Co Music Equipment KG in Markneukirchen, Germany. Along with a range of electric guitars, the company produces replacement parts, such as knobs, tuners, bridges, and tailpieces, for their vintage models, as well as a small range of high-end tube amplifiers.
Notable users
In the early 1960s, Framus Star Bass guitars were among the first bass guitars imported into Britain. Many of the early British rock and roll bass guitarists—including Jet Harris, Brian Locking, Brian Gregg, Heinz Burt, and Bill Wyman—played Framus basses. In 1964, Wyman signed a three-year sponsorship deal endorsing the Star bass.[1][2] Guitarists in the United States who endorsed Framus guitars at that time included Charlie Mingus and Jim Hall.
- Billy Lorento (later known as pickup designer Bill Lawrence) played his signature 5/120.[3]
- (Sandy) Alex G plays a Framus Panthera.[4]
- Peter Kraus played various signature models of tenor guitar, including a small-bodied flat-top acoustic and the two-pickup 5/141 semihollow electric.[5]
- Jan Akkerman plays his signature model.[6]
- Lamb of God guitarist Willie Adler uses Framus speaker cabinets with four 12 inch speakers. In their DVD entitled Killadelphia, Adler praises Framus for giving him "A backdrop to fuckin' die for."
- John Lennon bought a Framus Hootenanny in 1965, which George Harrison occasionally also played. Paul McCartney's first guitar was a Zenith (built by Framus on commission from Boosey & Hawkes), which he still owns.[7]
- Phil Campbell of Motörhead uses several Framus guitars.[8]
- Earl Slick, guitarist for David Bowie and New York Dolls, uses a Framus signature guitar.[9][10]
- Rik Emmett (Triumph) played a Framus Akkerman (AK74 or AK1974) early in his career [11]
- Phil X (Triumph, Bon Jovi) plays a Framus signature model as well.[12]
- Arcade Fire guitarist Richard Reed Parry uses a vintage Framus Billy Lorento model.[13]
- Devin Townsend, uses a number of Framus guitars including several custom made guitars of the model AK-1974, Mayfield and a signature model.[14][15][16] He also collaborated with the company to develop The Blank model.[17][18]
- Stevie Salas, uses the Framus Idolmaker model, which was developed in a collaboration with him.[19][20]
- Wolf Hoffmann, of the German heavy metal band Accept. He made a signature model based on the Gibson Flying V.
- Simple Plan guitarist Sébastien Lefebvre's electric guitars include the Framus Mayfield and Tennessee models. He used to play Framus Panthera and Renegade models. He currently uses a Framus Dragon head and cabinet amplifier with his Framus custom model.[21]
- Guy Pratt, who plays with Pink Floyd and David Gilmour, plays a Framus Triumph.[22]
- Clemens Rehbein, who plays with Milky Chance, from Kassel, DE uses a Framus Mayfield.
- William DuVall, of the American grunge band Alice in Chains
- Kristof Hahn of American experimental rock band Swans plays a Framus 8 string Lap Steel Guitar.
Further reading
- Hoyer, Christian: Framus – built in the heart of Bavaria: the history of a German musical instrument manufacturer 1946–1977. Edition Framus, Markneukirchen 2007, ISBN 978-3-940448-01-9.
References
- ^ "Bill Wyman". Framus Vintage Archive. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved April 29, 2015.
- ^ "'Framus – known all over the world'". Framus Vintage Archive. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved April 29, 2015.
- ^ "Billy Lorento". Framus Vintage Archive (Framus-Vintage.de). Retrieved January 19, 2018.
- ^ "On the radar: (Sandy) Alex G". 18 September 2017.
- ^ "Peter Kraus". Framus Vintage Archive (Framus-Vintage.de). Retrieved January 19, 2018.
- ^ "Jan Akkerman". Framus Vintage Archive (Framus-Vintage.de). Retrieved January 19, 2018.
- ^ Miles, Barry. Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now. Vintage-Random House 1998, ISBN 0-7493-8658-4.
- ^ Moseley, Willie G. (November 2002). "Philip Campbell – Decibel Level Be Damned". Vintage Guitar. Retrieved December 21, 2013.
- ^ Derrough, Leslie Michele (February 7, 2013). "Earl Slick: In the studio with David Bowie". Glide Magazine. Retrieved July 18, 2014.
- ^ Molenda, Michael (January 30, 2013). "Earl Slick's Street Rock Odyssey". Guitar Player. Retrieved July 18, 2014.
- ^ "Guitar & Genre "Mismatches": Let's See Them!". 3 June 2020.
- ^ "Video: NAMM 2015: Framus". Guitar Player. January 2015. Archived from the original on 2016-10-07. Retrieved March 27, 2015.
- ^ "Video: Reflektor". Vimeo/Official music video by the band Arcade Fire. Archived from the original on 2016-10-21. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
- ^ "Video: Devin Townsend on his Framus Guitar". Framus/Warwick. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved December 14, 2013.
- ^ "Video: AK1974 "Mandelbrot" for Devin Townsend". Framus/Warwick. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved December 14, 2013.
- ^ "Video: Devin Townsend AK1974". Framus/Warwick. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved December 14, 2013.
- ^ "Framus launches pricey new the Blank and Television guitar models". 28 February 2017.
- ^ "Product Demo the Blank with Devin Townsend". 25 September 2017.
- ^ Varga, George (January 23, 2014). "Music & technology merge at NAMM". U-T San Diego. Retrieved January 24, 2014.
- ^ Molenda, Michael (August 20, 2014). "Framus Idolmaker Five R Reviewed". Guitar Player. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved February 22, 2015.
- ^ Lefebvre, Sebastien. "Thanks @warwickframus for this brand new guitar!..." SebastienLefebvre.com. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
- ^ Pratt, Guy. "Guy Pratt". GuyPratt.com. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04.