Here we have an INCREDIBLY rare 1965 Framus 5/152-52 Golden TV Starbass Thinline Semi-Hollow Bass Guitar. Quite the mouthful, we know, but it is a real beauty and there are so few of these left in the world.
This is an impressively beautiful vintage bass guitar in perhaps the most beautiful Framus shape. It is stamped 65E, so from May 1965 and has a thinline hollow body with an arched top and back. The unique period headstock is larger than most other Framus guitars and the original decal has worn off over the years.
The neck is a medium 30″ scale and the body is a laminated maple with a spruce top and super-stable indestructible laminated maple neck with three central mahogany stripes. The rosewood fingerboard has dotted pearloid inlays. The open, large Framus single machine heads are all original and work perfectly, although have a fair bit of play in them (usual for a guitar of this age). They hold their tuning perfectly though.
This bass guitar doesn’t just look stunning though. It sounds beautiful too, courtesy of the two legendary Framus P90 single-coil pickups. Individually switchable on and off, each with separate tone controls and a master volume control, it’s easy to use, and that’s all it takes for rich and versatile bass sounds.
In addition, there is the so-called ‘Orgeltone’ – Framus’ onboard organ effect, switchable on and off with a 180° volume control with spring return. It is basically a reverse wired, spring-loaded volume pot, so you hook your pinky finger underneath it and control the volume whilst playing, making it swell like a Hammond Organ. A really unique and cool feature!
These guitars very rarely come up for sale and usually sell for more than £3000. However, based on the condition (see notes below) we are selling it for an absolute snip at £1500 – a bargain when you consider it is fully working and all-original!
CONDITION DISCLOSURE:
This bass is stunning and in full working condition. However, it does have signs of its age, namely a fair number of cosmetic dings and scratches to the body (all attempted to be captured in the photos). If you ask us, they just add to the character of the instrument!
There is one hairline crack along the side of the guitar (about 4cm long) but it is only on the surface and doesn't meet any edges or joins. Elsewhere there are also some tiny cracks to the lacquer but none of those are structural, just cosmetic.
As mentioned above, the machine-heads have some play in them but hold their tune perfectly. There is one thin metal ferrule missing from one of the machine heads which has no impact on the functionality or performance of the instrument. The Framus decal has worn off of the headstock.
All electrics are fully working and have been cleaned to the best possible level. This instrument is structurally and mechanically sound.
If you are looking for a classic rock bass with a super noble look, this is the right choice. The condition is very good for its age. We mounted flatwounds for rather soft jazz sounds but, with roundwounds, it is even more crisp.
The neck is straight as a pole, fretboard and frets are flawless, string spacing is low – what more could you want? At the same time it is a comfortable lightweight and wonderfully balanced, so it’s easy to play on the strap. A real collector’s item and also a valuable investment with potential.
COLLECTION/DELIVERY:
Due to the age and rarity of this instrument, we are sadly not offering postage on this lovely guitar. This item is available from our store in Exeter.
If you have any questions, please contact us before purchasing either by email or phone.