Framus 4/42 DB w/cutaway

[kcbassy]

The July 2009 Bass Player column Retro-Rama highlights a 1964 Framus 4/42 upright. What does the 4/42 designation mean? I have very limited knowledge of double basses, but it doesn't appear to be a size designation. Thanks.

[CPike]

4/42 could mean 4 string/42 inch string length...
Chris

[Jake deVilliers]

No Chris! Framus has an abstruse nomenclature similar to Strunal's. The numbers refer to woods and fittings and such - I don't pretend to understand it........

[kcbassy]

Thanks for your help. If anyone's interested, I found a small-bit of information on a Framus website, both about their double basses in general and about the 4/42.

http://www.framus-vintage.de/modules...tID=4668&cl=EN
http://www.framus-vintage.de/modules...ellID=26&cl=EN

[Jake deVilliers]

Cool site KC, thanks. I like the pix of the '90438 Rhythm Model' Bass - it looks so much like a Kay!

[bassbuddie]

I owned a black cutaway exactly like that. I sold it to a friend of mine. I regret it, the sound was really good for a plywood bass. Thanks for the link, I did so much research in the past.