Framus Golden Strato

This Framus Golden Strato is a distinctive German solidbody guitar from the 1960s, with three single-coil pickups, a vibrato and an elaborate control layout. Framus offered several versions of its Strato de Luxe range, with different pickup and electronics configurations. The three-pickup models are particularly interesting because each pickup has its own switch and tone control, rather than relying on a conventional three- or five-way selector.

The controls on this example offer plenty to explore. Each pickup has an individual on/off switch and tone control, alongside a master volume and a separate volume control for the middle pickup. The middle-pickup switch also appears to disable the other pickups. There is a switch to change the neck pickup's tone circuit, and another operates a phase function.

It's an unusual arrangement compared with a conventional Stratocaster, giving you more direct control over the individual pickups and their tonal response. Combined with the vibrato, it makes for a guitar with plenty of options to explore.

This example is in good condition, with the usual wear for a guitar of its age. The bridge and one control knob are replacements.

Specifications

• Model: Framus Golden Strato
• Era: 1960s
• Made in Germany
• Body: Solidbody
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Pickups: 3 single-coils with gold-coloured covers
• Pickup switching: Individual on/off switches
• Controls: Master volume, separate middle-pickup volume and individual pickup tone controls, neck-pickup tone switch and phase switch.
• Vibrato: Original vibrato system
• Condition: Good, with age-related wear
• Modifications: Replacement bridge and one control knob