Germany · Est. 1946
Framus
One of Europe's oldest guitar manufacturers, Framus combines decades of German craftsmanship with modern high-performance instruments for rock and metal.
About the brand
Framus was founded in 1946 by Fred Wilfer in Schönbach, Bavaria (then part of Germany, now Czech Republic). The brand was a major European guitar manufacturer throughout the 1950s and 1960s, producing instruments played by the Beatles and other leading acts of the era.
After closing in 1975, Framus was revived in 1996 by Hans-Peter Wilfer (Fred's son) in Markneukirchen, Germany. The new Framus focuses on high-end electric guitars and basses, produced at the Warwick/Framus factory. The Diablo, Panthera, and Dragon series are precision-built metal and rock instruments that represent some of the finest European guitar manufacturing.
Framus shares its manufacturing facility with Warwick (also owned by Wilfer), and the two brands complement each other — Warwick for bass, Framus for guitar. The German factory is notable for its automation combined with hands-on quality control, producing instruments that compete directly with American and Japanese premium brands.
Key facts
- Founded in 1946 — one of Europe's oldest guitar manufacturers
- Beatles-era instruments among the brand's most historically significant
- Revived in 1996 in Markneukirchen, Germany — the same factory as Warwick
- Panthera and Dragon series are top-tier European-made rock and metal guitars
Iconic models
Framus Strato
Framus's best-selling model of the 60s, a high-quality German electric guitar that was the instrument of choice in Europe before the mass arrival of Gibson and Fender.
Framus Diablo
The renaissance of Framus in the modern era, a high-end guitar aimed at metal and rock with precise German craftsmanship.
Framus Dragon
An extreme metal guitar from Framus with an aggressive body design and top-tier specifications representing the philosophy of the revived brand.
Framus Panthera
A luxury guitar from Framus with a flamed maple top and the highest build quality, aimed at high-end rock and metal players.