1960s Framus Archtop Acoustic – Sunburst – Made in Bavaria, Germany – Player Grade w/ Side Repair

Here’s a cool mid-century German archtop from Framus-Werke Bavaria — built in the heart of Bavaria during the golden era of European archtop production.

This is a true vintage Framus acoustic archtop featuring:

• Classic red-to-black sunburst finish
• F-holes with floating bridge and trapeze tailpiece
• Original-style pickguard with Framus logo
• Kluson-style open gear tuners
• Slim, comfortable neck profile
• Made in Germany (Bavaria)

Inside label reads:

“Built in the Heart of Bavaria”
Framus-Werke Bavaria – Germany
Serial number visible (see photos)

Based on construction, headstock shape, logo style, and label, this appears to be a late 1950s to mid 1960s Framus archtop, likely from the 5/xx series (exact model number partially faded on label).

Condition

This is a player-grade vintage instrument.

There was a hole/gash in the bass-side body at some point in its life. A previous repair involved installing a small metal reinforcement plate over the damaged area. There is a small crack seen on one side of the metal plate, but this is a player grade repair and will hold up well.

The good news:

✔ Structurally stable
✔ No top sink
✔ Bridge seated well
✔ Neck angle is good
✔ Low, comfortable action
✔ Plays surprisingly well

This guitar has that dry, woody, vintage archtop bark. It’s lively and resonant — great for old-school jazz rhythm, blues, or couch strumming.

It has normal cosmetic wear consistent with age:
• Finish checking
• Dings and scratches
• Patina on hardware

Nothing unexpected for a 60+ year old working instrument.

Tone & Feel

These German Framus archtops have a unique voice — somewhere between a ladder-braced blues box and a lightweight jazz box. Very responsive, quick attack, and punchy mids.

It’s not a museum piece — it’s a vibey, playable vintage instrument.

Case: N/A

Scale Length: 24 5/8“

Nut Width: 1.656“

Fret Wear: 8.5/10

Action at 12F (6th): 4/64“

Action at 12F (1st): 4/64“

Overall Condition: 7/10

Internal Use (Bin) - Floor