Framus Hybrid Opinions?

[Elisa]

Hey, I'm just a fiddle player looking to learn bass and having fun on a borrowed one. It's a Framus plywood with a carved top, some crackle to the varnish but looks like an oil-type varnish - very pretty, inlaid purfling, rosewood fingerboard and a 41" string length. It's so damned different from a fiddle, it's interesting and fun. I'm used to playing lead and fills, mostly melody or likewise embellishments, and this big baby is a heartthrob mainstay. Violins are tuned in fifths, so playing an instrument tuned in 4ths is a venture of itself. And this sucker is heavy.

Anyway, what's the feedback on Framus? The sound is not real loud, but it's easy to get around on. I think the soundpost needs some adjusting, which I wish I knew how to do - advice appreciated. The bridge is adjustable with brass turn-screws. The grain of the bridge runs horizontal on BOTH sides - is that par for the course? (Not on fiddles, it ain't.)

It has a well-knit old break in the neck down by the heel. Very stable. Ebony inlays along the length of the heel. Beautiful old engraved tuners plates.

What's a fair ballpark price for this?
Elisaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh

[Eric Swanson]

I had a Framus hybrid. It had a heavy sprayed finish on it that crazed everywhere. Sort of an "orangish-goldish" color. Some sunburst toning going on, too, almost like a Fender sunburst. Not a rich look, in the case of my old one. My string length was 44 1/2 so you are getting off easy in terms of playability .

My bass was beat (finish missing, some edge sections gone up to the purfling, etc.). Mine was also not very loud or responsive. The top plate was quite thick, for starters.

I had Bill Merchant set it up (back when he was at Traeger's shop), so it played well. I usually used it amplified, so the acoustic challenges didn't bother me on the job.

The value of your loaner has a lot to do with condition, setup, and sound production. Maybe $1000-2000, tops, if it is mint (would be my guess...)

[Elisa]

Well, this one is real purty-lookin'. I am playing with the adjustable bridge and improved the action and sound by raising the strings off the fingerboard some more. I suspect this bass is pretty old - the varnish is quality, not sprayed on caca. If anyone can tell me how to move a soundpost without dropping it into the bowels of the bass, let me know.
I intend to get some bass books in order to learn proper hand position, scales, arpeggios, etc. Recommendations on that are welcome, too.
Thx,
Elisa

[gus01]

if ya like the fifths, then just tune it that way, and it may help ya bridge over w/ mo ease.