1960s Framus 5/96 00-Size Flattop Guitar

This is an older Framus model and while this is a '60s version, I've worked on my fair share of the same thing but from the late '50s. This was built just before these instruments switched from a dovetailed neck joint to a bolted-on type and a bigger, dreadnought-style body shape.

Despite a lower-bout size that's in-between 00 and 000 in size, this box is clearly a take on a Gibson LG-2 from just a few years prior. It has a similar scale length and handles a lot like a Gibson, though the body is entirely made from ply (ply spruce top, ply maple back and sides) and the bracing is fan-style like a classical guitar or '40s Favilla. This gives it a great, clear, sweet fingerpicking tone. As a flatpicker it's a bit like playing a ladder-braced guitar but with sweetened mids and a less-zippy top-end.

One nice thing about old Framus boxes is that they're tough as nails and make good options for on-the-beach, at-the-fire, or take-anywhere instruments. All of them need some love at this point in their lives (just like any other old guitar), but one the effort is put in they're good, stable machines.

Repairs included: neck reset, fret level/dress, bridge reglue, new bone saddle, new pearl dots for the bridge, cleaning, setup.

Top wood: ply spruce

Back & sides wood: ply maple

Bracing type: fan

Bridge: rosewood

Fretboard: rosewood

Neck wood: super-multi-ply maple

Action height at 12th fret: 3/32” bass 1/16” treble (fast, spot-on)
String gauges: 54w, 40w, 30w, 22w, 16, 12

Neck shape: medium C

Board radius: flat

Truss rod: adjustable

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: medium-low

Scale length: 24 5/8"

Nut width: 1 5/8"

Body width: 14 3/4"

Body depth: 4 3/8"

Weight: 4 lbs 5 oz

Condition notes: it's all-original save the bridge pins, saddle, and one tuner shaft/gear. It's overall in good shape but does show the usual weather-check and average usewear for a guitar of its age.