Framus just launched a new affordable acoustic guitar line, and interestingly they have included parlor guitar models right at the start. This marks the company’s entry into the acoustic guitar market and more importantly, they now add to the growing number of production line parlor guitars.
The Framus Legacy Parlor is a traditional style instrument that closely resembles the design and specs of old parlor guitars, while incorporating modern production techniques and optional built-in electronics. And the best thing about it is that it’s available in either solid mahogany (as pictured) top or solid sitka spruce top configurations, allowing for more choices within the same brand and model line up.
Framus may not be a familiar brand to many, but the brand name was once considered as the biggest guitar builder in Europe back in the ’60s! It i said that even John Lennon and Paul McCartney played Framus instruments, with Paul even writing some of his earlier songs with the Framus Zenith.
Now under Warwick, the once great brand is gradually mounting a comeback, and the release of the new Legacy series acoustic guitars is part of their expansion efforts. It was a pleasant surprise to find that they included the parlor guitar shape with their initial line up, this may mean that parlor guitars are really catching on with the usual favorites. The company probably found that there is enough demand for parlor guitars to invest in building one right when they are still testing the waters of the acoustic guitar market.
Following traditional designs, the Framus Legacy Parlor comes with a short scale length (24.7″), compact parlor shape body and a slotted headstock. The back and sides for all the models are made from laminated mahogany while you can choose between solid mahogany top and solid sitka spruce top models. The solid mahogany one offers an interesting contrast to the usual solid spruce top guitars in the market, it should sound warmer with more emphasis on the lower mids. The solid sitka spruce top model is the more conventional model, providing some chime and a more balanced tone.
The neck of the guitar is crafted from mahogany, carved into C-profile. It is topped by an East-Indian rosewood fretboard with 21 medium frets and a bone nut that is 1.77″ wide. Mother of pearl inlays serve as markers across the fingerboard. The slotted headstock features a rosewood veneer with a mother of pearl Framus logo and inlay. The bridge is also made of East-Indian rosewood and features a compensated bone saddle.
The Framus Legacy Parlor is also available in acoustic-electric guitar format, featuring built-in Fishman Isys+ preamp with Sonicore piezo pickup. Other features include a 3 layer binding on top, single binding at back and fretboard, mahogany and abalone soundhole, and it comes strung with Cleartone Acoustic 012 – 053 gauge.
The Framus Legacy Parlor solid mahogany acoustic-electric version is currently retailing in the Germany for $222.53. For more information, visit Framus.
