TEST: Framus Idolmaker

 Anyone who starts today with the personal ambition of developing a new guitar shape can be prepared for a few sleepless nights, especially if it is not an extreme shape from the metal genre or a new collection for ZZTOP. Pretty much every visually appealing shape has been offered in many variations over the last 70 years, so that a real realignment seems almost impossible. The initiative of the Framus company must be valued all the more, as it has a comparatively independent form in its portfolio with the Idolmaker model and does not come across as a mixture of a battle axe, morning star or cigar box. With the Framus Masterbuilt Idolmaker 5'R Emerald Green Transparent Satin, we have an instrument from the Masterbuild series to test, which, with a retail price of just under €8,300, is also right at the top of the price range.

The concept of the Framus Masterbuilt Idolmaker 5'R Emerald Green Transparent Satin

The American guitarist Stevie Salas, who, among other things, is known to the public for his work as a sideman for Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger and Justin Timberlake, and is considered to be the godfather of the idol maker form. According to rumors, other people contributed significantly more input to the body shape, but hey, someone has to be the driving force in front of the cart, or someone who gives the name to the outside world. Ultimately, the bottom line is a very unique double-cutaway shape, which has a touch of “Firebird with curves”. However, what is particularly noticeable in the more exclusive models from Framus is the 3-D look/haptics, which is also used on the Panthera model, for example. The body, which in this case is made of alder, is flanked by a 2 cm thick AAAA maple top, which was partly milled continuously and partly offset depending on the shape of the wave. A very complex process, which in the Masterbuild variant means that only one Luthier takes complete responsibility for the instrument and that the instrument is manufactured entirely in Germany.

The entire body has a slightly curved shape on both the front and back, which is vaguely reminiscent of violin shaping. In order to maintain the visually strong presence of wood throughout the entire instrument, the lid of the electrical compartment is also made in a matching wood grain.

The construction of the Framus Masterbuilt Idolmaker 5'R Emerald Green Transparent Satin

The Framus Masterbuilt Idolmaker 5'R Emerald Green Transparent Satin has a glued-in, one-piece neck made of maple, which is equipped with a fingerboard made of light rosewood. The fingerboard has very small inlays made of abalone ovals and is equipped with fluorescent side dots on the side, which start to glow even in light darkness. The Idolmaker is available with two different scale lengths. The long scale length of 25.5" (648 mm) was installed on this instrument. The popular 12" (305 mm) radius was used as the fretboard radius. 22 Medium Jumbo Frets made of Nickel Silver (Width: 2.3 mm / 0.091" Height: 1.3 mm / 0.05") with rounded corners ensure that the neck pickup can be placed under the vibration-rich 24 frets and not like on instruments with 24 frets in what I think is the less favorable area (subjective opinion!) towards the bridge. Like all instruments of the upper class at Framus, this instrument was processed using Plek Fretwork Technology to ensure optimal alignment of the frets.

In terms of hardware, the Framus Masterbuilt Idolmaker 5'R Emerald Green Transparent Satin works with Graph Tech Ratio Locking Machine Heads tuners, which are equipped with wooden knobs. The saddle, which comes from the Tusq low friction series, is also from Graph Tech. In order to keep the number of moving elements as low as possible, a Graph Tech Wraparound Resomax was used for the bridge system. Only the belt holders come from our own production and are sold under the name Warwick Security Locks.

The American company Nordstrand Pickups, which was still unknown to me, is responsible for the pickups. On the Framus Masterbuilt Idolmaker 5'R Emerald Green Transparent Satin, they have a “Shush Puppy” on the neck and in the middle, and a “NDC” in the bridge position have installed. According to Nordstrand Audio, the “Shush Puppy” is no longer in the manufacturer’s portfolio, so anyone who is lucky enough to catch another “quiet puppy” could potentially have come across a collector’s item. Despite the single coil dimensions, this pickup is a humbucker, which is intended to preserve the liveliness of the single coil as much as possible without foregoing the advantages of a humbucker's noise suppression. Incidentally, according to the company information, the same applies to the NDC, which also wants to adopt the single-reeler's claim in terms of sound characteristics without sharing its background noise problems. However, in order to give the user freedom of choice, Framus decided to install a push/pull pot on the master tone control in addition to the classic 5-way switch in order to enable humbucker splitting, which directly expands the sound possibilities many times over .

When it comes to the final design, many special options are possible, such as a left-handed option, as the instrument is manufactured directly for the buyer. Therefore, depending on the company's workload, the delivery time can sometimes be a little longer than usual.

The Framus Masterbuilt Idolmaker 5'R Emerald Green Transparent Satin in practice

All interested parties will probably be clear about one thing: at this retail price you cannot afford any weaknesses, i.e. even the smallest defects cannot be tolerated. But here I can give the all-clear straight away, the Framus Masterbuilt Idolmaker 5'R Emerald Green Transparent Satin is really perfect in terms of workmanship, I couldn't find any defects even after intensive searching. Of course the solid natural wood look will polarize the crowd of musicians, but as you know, this is all purely a matter of taste.

In dry mode, the first thing you notice is the very flattering body shape, which creates a comfortable forearm rest both when sitting and standing. A similar effect is also known from Firebird or Explorer shapes, although these are more difficult to handle, especially when sitting, due to the significantly larger body shapes. With a weight of only approx. 3.2 kg, the instrument is also very easy to handle, which is particularly beneficial for musicians with back problems.

On the amp, the Framus Masterbuilt Idolmaker 5'R Emerald Green Transparent Satin turns out to be something completely different tonally than what I would have expected. I was expecting a typical HSS style sound, but I was proven wrong. What sounded to me was clearly more in the Strat style, but with a very unique note. The Nordstrand pickups in particular play a large part in this, as they leave a very good impression across the entire range. The pickups sound fresh without biting, have a very open sound character and offer the outstanding sounds you want, especially in the clean and crunch areas. In particular, the Slush Puppy in the neck and middle position, which has been removed from the range, impresses, as described by the manufacturer, with a single coil requirement and at the same time suppresses the background noise of a humbucker. Really great cinema.

However, the pickups all only have a very low output level, so stronger lead or even high gain sounds are only possible with massive pedal support. However, you should ask yourself whether you would actually want such sounds from such an instrument, whose moderate distortion levels alone are in the absolute top segment. All other parameters such as sustain, playability and response are also in the top range and enable handling as desired in this price range.

In summary, the Framus Masterbuilt Idolmaker 5'R Emerald Green Transparent Satin has to be described as a top instrument that is convincing across the board. If you're looking for high-end clean and crunch, you've come to the right place.

Conclusion

With the Framus Masterbuilt Idolmaker 5'R Emerald Green Transparent Satin, the German manufacturer has a top instrument in its portfolio. The instrument is convincing across the board, with its strengths clearly being in the clean and crunch areas.

If you are looking for a very unique instrument with a very special flair, you should definitely give the Framus Masterbuilt Idolmaker 5'R Emerald Green Transparent Satin a try.

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Additional Informations:


Framus, a renowned German guitar manufacturer, has been crafting high-quality instruments since its inception in the early 20th century. Over the years, Framus has garnered a reputation for producing instruments with exceptional craftsmanship, innovative designs, and versatile tonal capabilities. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the diverse range of guitar models offered by Framus, exploring their unique features, tonal characteristics, and historical significance.

**1. Framus Legacy Series**

The Framus Legacy Series pays homage to the brand's rich heritage while incorporating modern design elements and construction techniques. These guitars feature premium tonewoods, such as mahogany, maple, and ebony, ensuring rich resonance and sustain. Models like the Framus Legacy Dreadnought and Grand Auditorium are popular choices among acoustic players, offering a balanced tone suitable for various playing styles.

**2. Framus Panthera Series**

The Panthera series embodies the essence of high-performance electric guitars, catering to the needs of discerning players across different genres. These guitars feature sleek, ergonomic designs with contoured bodies for maximum comfort during extended playing sessions. Equipped with high-output pickups and versatile electronics, models like the Framus Panthera II Studio and Supreme deliver a wide range of tones, from crisp cleans to searing leads.

**3. Framus Idolmaker Series**

The Idolmaker series showcases Framus's commitment to innovation and modern design aesthetics. These guitars boast distinctive body shapes, including the iconic double-cutaway design, which provides easy access to the upper frets. With options for both passive and active electronics, such as the Fishman Fluence pickups, the Framus Idolmaker series offers unparalleled versatility and tonal flexibility for today's demanding players.

**4. Framus Artist Series**

The Artist series celebrates collaboration with some of the world's most renowned guitarists, resulting in signature models tailored to their specific preferences and playing styles. From the expressive blues-rock tones of the Framus Devin Townsend Stormbender to the high-gain fury of the Framus D-Series Troy McLawhorn, these guitars are designed to inspire creativity and push sonic boundaries.

**5. Framus Custom Shop**

For players seeking a truly personalized instrument, the Framus Custom Shop offers bespoke guitars crafted to their exact specifications. From selecting premium tonewoods to choosing pickups, hardware, and finishes, customers have complete control over every aspect of their instrument's design. Each Custom Shop guitar is handcrafted by master luthiers, ensuring impeccable build quality and attention to detail.

**6. Framus Acoustic Series**

Framus's dedication to acoustic craftsmanship is evident in its Acoustic series, which comprises a diverse lineup of steel-string and nylon-string guitars. Whether you prefer the warmth and depth of a dreadnought or the clarity and articulation of a concert-style instrument, Framus offers a range of acoustic models to suit every player's preference. From intimate solo performances to lively ensemble settings, these guitars excel in a variety of musical contexts.

**7. Framus Basses**

In addition to guitars, Framus also produces a wide range of bass instruments tailored to the needs of professional bassists. From the thunderous low-end of the Framus Panthera Bass to the sleek, modern design of the Framus Triumph Series, these instruments deliver the power, playability, and tonal versatility required for any musical situation. With options for both traditional passive pickups and active electronics, Framus basses provide ample sonic flexibility to suit a wide range of musical styles.

**Conclusion**

From its humble beginnings in the early 20th century to its status as a leading manufacturer of high-performance instruments, Framus has remained at the forefront of guitar innovation and craftsmanship. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring musician, there's a Framus guitar model to suit your needs and inspire your creativity. With a commitment to quality, precision, and sonic excellence, Framus continues to set the standard for what a premium guitar should be.