Framus
Since 1946
Framus is one of Europe's most storied musical instrument dynasties. Founded in Erlangen, Bavaria in 1946 by Fred Wilfer, Framus grew into Europe's largest guitar manufacturer during the 1950s and 60s—famously supplying John Lennon with his iconic 'Hootenanny' 5/024 12-string acoustic and Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman with his beloved Star Bass. Resurrected in 1995 under the stewardship of Fred's son, Hans-Peter Wilfer (founder of Warwick Basses), Framus operates a state-of-the-art lutherie in Markneukirchen, Germany. Renowned for its Masterbuilt and Teambuilt instruments, Devin Townsend signature Stormbender, Panthera singlecuts, and Diablo superstrats, Framus commands high prestige across vintage collector and modern prog-metal circles.
80
Years in Business
1.5M+
Guitars Sold
$35M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Framus Guitar Price & Valuation Guide (2026)
Comprehensive market valuation ranges, mint vs used condition pricing, tonewood specs, and historical price trends for Framus guitars.
Framus Price Overview
Framus covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$1,150
+8.4% vs last year
eBay Listings
310
Active listings
Sold This Month
75
+6.2% vs last month
Price Range
$400-$3,800
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Framus Timeline
Framus Founded by Fred Wilfer
Established in Erlangen, Germany to provide employment for displaced Sudeten German luthiers after WWII.
The British Invasion Connection
John Lennon acquired a Framus 'Hootenanny' 12-string (used on 'Help!' and 'You've Got to Hide Your Love Away'); Bill Wyman toured with the Star Bass.
Factory Closure & Vintage Transition
Rising Asian import competition led to insolvency, cementing vintage Framus instruments as highly sought-after retro classics.
Modern Revival by Warwick
Hans-Peter Wilfer resurrected Framus under Warwick, opening ultra-modern lutherie facilities in Markneukirchen, Saxony.
Devin Townsend Partnership & Prog Renaissance
Collaborated with prog-metal icon Devin Townsend to create the groundbreaking Framus Stormbender signature model.
Pinnacle of German High-Tech Lutherie
Framus is celebrated for integrating carbon-neutral solar manufacturing, Plek precision dressing, and boutique wood drying.
Complete Framus Product Lineup
From John Lennon and Bill Wyman to Devin Townsend, Framus embodies the pinnacle of German acoustic and electric engineering.
German Masterbuilt & Teambuilt Series
Constructed in Markneukirchen, Germany utilizing AAA flamed maple tops, swamp ash, Plek fret dressing, and Seymour Duncan/Fishman pickups.
Curved maple top, mahogny body, Fishman Fluence Townsend pickups, Evertune bridge ($2,200–$3,800 used)
Arched AAA flamed maple top, carved singlecut, Seymour Duncan APH-1 / SH-11 ($1,400–$2,600 used)
Boutique German Superstrat with Wilkinson tremolo, Plek fretwork ($1,200–$2,200 used)
D-Series (Pro Player Performance)
Engineered under strict German quality oversight to bring flagship Framus shapes to working musicians at accessible price points.
Basswood body, flamed maple veneer, Seymour Duncan pickups, Wilkinson vibrato ($550–$850 used)
Mahogany body with arched top, tune-o-matic bridge, Seymour Duncan humbuckers ($580–$880 used)
Striking offset double-cutaway with Seymour Duncan SH-1n / SH-4b ($600–$920 used)
Vintage Golden Era (1950s–1970s)
Historic German-made vintage archtops, semi-hollows, and acoustics celebrated by retro players and collectors.
Bill Wyman's legendary short-scale hollowbody bass with vintage single-coil pickups ($1,200–$2,800 used)
The acoustic model played by John Lennon on The Beatles' 'Help!' album ($1,500–$3,500 used)
1950s/60s German archtop with f-holes and laminated maple construction ($450–$950 used)
"From John Lennon and Bill Wyman to Devin Townsend, Framus embodies the pinnacle of German acoustic and electric engineering."
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
The Masterbuilt German Singlecut of Uncompromising Refinement
Plek Computerized Fret Leveling
Every German Framus undergoes Plek fret dressing, ensuring dead-level fret tops, zero buzz at ultra-low string heights, and silky bending.
Selected European AAA Flamed Maple
Deeply 3D arched bookmatched maple tops mated to lightweight resonant mahogany backs for commanding mid-frequency projection.
Original Seymour Duncan USA Tone
Loaded with Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro in the neck and Custom Custom in the bridge for liquid blues and crushing hard rock.
The Modern Prog-Metal Benchmark with Evertune Stability
Fishman Fluence Devin Townsend Signature Pickups
Multi-voice active pickups delivering heavy gain clarity, sparkling single-coil chime, and Townsend's signature wall-of-sound resonance.
Evertune Constant-Tension Bridge
All-mechanical spring-loaded bridge keeps the guitar in 100% perfect tune regardless of temperature, humidity, or heavy pick attack.
Fluorescent Side Dot Markers
Illuminated fretboard side markers provide instant fret orientation on pitch-black touring stages.