1969 Framus 5/195
 

I was at my local guitar center today, and found an old Framus Western model 5/195 guitar.

It's a very cool little guitar, typically European, but it played and sounded great.

Does anyone have one of these, or can tell me much about them? I wasn't able to find much online.

Thanks

I believe these were made in Germany - heavily built, lots of bolts and hardware, and fully laminated. The few I have played were interesting little oddities, with very little to brag about in the tone department.
http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/...ps345b6332.jpg

Framus
 

Most Framus I've played have been overbuilt, but this one plays well and has a nice voice, similar to a Guild M120 or Martin D15M.

There's an "M" after the model number and it appears to be mahogany. Nice little guitar, actually.

There's also an "M" after the date code, which I believe indicates December build.

A bit of discussion on these last year over on the Gibson Forum.
http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/t...1#entry1489512

I found this link in Germany:

http://german-vintage-guitar.com/ind...cPath=9&page=3

Exact same guitar, not sure if usefull info though, my old OS only reads the page partially. Will search some more and post further links inhere.

Some more info, this model but a 12 string was played by John Lenon, it was called Framus 12-string Hootenanny 5/024. After browsing 20 Google picture pages in Germany I found that the guitar was also known under the apropiate modelname 'Texan', at least in poduction till 1973 or so.

Dieter Hopf may have been the luthier who build them as I found one picture of his guitars which looked remarkedly simmilar.
The brand is now owned by Warwick guitars.

Sorry I couldn't find out more, nothing had that same headstock as yours, they were all plain.

Ludwig

Framus
 

Thanks for the input, guys. I'm going back tomorrow for a second look and to talk with the manager I usually deal with. I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks!