Old Framus Bass maybe 1963 star bass

[SRAC76]

So I just got a Framus bass and was told it is cira 1960's Star bass. I think the 3 tuners are not original and one is. It is rough looking I just wish I knew for sure what model and maybe the year. I posted a photo of the bass. I want to get it cleaned up but not touch the original finish.

This is my first bass and don't have lot of knowledge.

Thanks for any helpful advise or tips.

 

[Thornton Davis]

I believe your Framus is a Strato Star-bass model 5/156-52. They were available in both single or dual pickup versions. It appears that the pickup is not original.

TD

 

[Clark Dark]

Take it to a qualified tech. Due to its vintage I would only take a moist rag to it's finish but the electronics need a pro touch or an owners manual.

 

[JimmyM]

I believe your Framus is a Strato Star-bass model 5/156-52. They were available in both single or dual pickup versions. It appears that the pickup is not original.

TD

Yep, I used to have a two-pickup 64 Strato-Star. As for the tuners, the originals suck, but guitar tuners always came 6 to a set with 3 to a side unless they were specifically made for a Fender, so I'd bet a previous owner only replaced 3. To date it, there should be a stamp on the neck heel with the neck's date of manufacture when you unbolt it.

 

[SRAC76]

I believe your Framus is a Strato Star-bass model 5/156-52. They were available in both single or dual pickup versions. It appears that the pickup is not original.

TD

I found this on the web today and I was wondering why do you think the pickup isn't original? it appears to match this one in the photograph I found.

 

[SRAC76]

Oh I forgot to mention it is working just a whole lot of dust and grime.

 

[SRAC76]

Oh boy one more little question are the bridges on Framus a floating bridge held by the pressures strings in place like a double bass or a standing bass??

 

[JimmyM]

Oh boy one more little question are the bridges on Framus a floating bridge held by the pressures strings in place like a double bass or a standing bass??

Some were, some weren't. My 64 had a bridge similar to the Gibson Tune-o-Matic that sat on posts.

 

[SRAC76]

OMG so the plot thickens! I went to unbolt the neck and someone glued it in place ... neck isn't budging...Doh!

 

[Bisounourse]

More information:
Framus Vintage

It seems to be a Framus Strato Star Bass

 

[chris_b]

The tuners were the first thing that broke on my Star bass!!

 

[Dreig]

That is a secret prototype Framus CatCharmer that was not supposed to be sold to public. See, your cat already likes it

 

[5StringBlues]

CatCharmer

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNND we're off to the overheard band names thread!

 

[Alex_H]

You can find a diagram of the wiring for some framus star bases in this "small" pdf: http://www.ak-line.com/medium/Bassschaltungen.pdf

 

[stonetone7]

Never seen one of those, really cool bass. Wonder what that giant selector switch does.

 

[JohnnyChatter]

OMG so the plot thickens! I went to unbolt the neck and someone glued it in place ... neck isn't budging...Doh!

Do you actually see glue or is it just stuck in place from being bolted in since the 60's?

 

[Ewo]

For cleaning grungy guitar finishes, Dan Erlewine recommends a rag dampened with naptha.

 

[nilorius]

I don't think this is a good choice for the first bass.

 

[Hurricane Jimmie]

I don't think this is a good choice for the first bass.

So Anyway, this might take some constant TLC to keep it up and running. But since it's yours and it's your first bass, I'd recommend taking it to someone more experienced for a set-up.
Regardless, congrats and good luck to you!

 

[JimmyM]

I don't think this is a good choice for the first bass.

A similar one with two pickups was my first bass. Did OK by me.