A c.1950s Framus-branded archtop guitar, possibly made by Artur Lang in natural finish. Owned and played by Randy Bachman, who has sold 40 million records worldwide as a member of The Guess Who, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, and as a solo artist. A beautifully-made example from Randy’s collection of mid-century German archtop guitars.

Though Framus is engraved on the headstock, this instrument appears to have been made by Artur Lang. He was one of the most well-respected builders of the period, producing only around 800 guitars from 1949 to the early 1970s. His guitars often have an “LA” inlay on the headstock, or an engraved metal facade like this one, split sound holes, and meticulous craftsmanship –– all of which we see here on this Framus. There is even precedent for Lang using this smaller, “straight string pull” headstock design.

Regardless of the maker, this guitar features a 7-piece neck, ornately-engraved metal headstock overlay, and six white-button tuners with a laminated white string guide nut and zero fret. A bound 21-fret ebony fretboard with mother of pearl parallelogram inlays, carved spruce top, flame maple back and sides, with multi-ply binding throughout. Bound split sound holes, adjustable ebony bridge, gold tailpiece (possibly aftermarket) as well as a modern floating mini-humbucker neck pickup with volume and tone controls mounted to the top with modern gold barrel knobs.

Includes hardshell case.

PROVENANCE From The Collection of Randy Bachman

Guitars & Instruments, Randy Bachman