TEST: Framus Mayfield

 “Semi-acoustic”! “Electric Spanish Style”! Now let's have some fun and let an interested but inexperienced artist explain the above construction methods to a newcomer to the industry. What comes out of this is hard to beat in terms of confusion.

In the interests of fairness, one must also admit that the commercial names are more than unfortunate. Is a “semi-acoustic” guitar only half acoustic? So is a solid body a “non-acoustic” instrument? Complete nonsense, a solid wood guitar follows the acoustic theory just like a lute, but in the evolution of names, especially in the above-mentioned segment, they really haven't covered themselves with glory.

Especially since even seasoned musicians sometimes have massive problems assigning clarity to the semi-acoustic guitar in terms of sound and preferred area of use. While the solid or hollow construction is stylistically more than occupied, the semi-acoustic guitar floats sonically between the worlds in a technical nirvana and if it weren't for one or two protagonists like Chuck Berry or various sleaze boys along with the in-house “Rüpel-Rock”, the ES style would probably only be taken seriously in the fusion area.

Here it has already established itself as a “must-have”, especially since its independent combination of resonance body and sustain block can fully demonstrate its advantages in this segment.

A representative that has been leading the high-end segment alongside the “father” Gibson for several years is the Mayfield model from the German manufacturer Framus. I have the custom version in Burgundy Red for testing.


construction

When you take the Mayfield Custom out of the case, you are overwhelmed with the flair of a “classic” guitar. “You never get a second chance to make a first impression” is probably what the team around Hans Peter Wilfer said to themselves and gave the Mayfield Custom an impressive maple outfit. The two-part, matched top and bottom parts and even the sides are made of AAA maple and, along with the F-holes, have been given a celluloid binding.

The wide, not too strong maple neck is glued in and has a very light Tigerstripe Ebony fingerboard on which 22 jumbo frets do their job. They were perfectly dressed using PLEK technology, and mother-of-pearl inlays are used as fingerboard inlays. At 24.75 inches (62.8 cm), the instrument was equipped with the traditional short scale length.

Not to forget the trademark of the semi-acoustic construction, the sustain block, a solid piece of wood, in this case again maple, which, due to the connection between the top and back, on the one hand reduces the feedback sensitivity of the instrument immensely and on the other hand the sound adds a characteristic level of percussiveness that distinguishes the instrument from a full-resonance guitar.

The tried and tested Seymour Duncan SH2 / SH4 combination is used as pickups, 2 humbuckers with chrome caps, each of which can be individually adjusted with a screw in the black plastic frame. To protect the top against massive pick abuse, a semi-floating, three-piece pickguard was mounted on the Mayfield.

The tuning mechanisms used were once again the in-house Locking Machine Heads, which can be locked with either a screwdriver or a coin. As always, the Framus headstock is arranged in 3:3 and reduces the bending of the string at the saddle thanks to an offset hole in the mechanics. At the other end of the string guide, a Tone Pros Tune-o-Matic bridge and a matching stop tailpiece do their work.

A toggle switch, which is large by Framus standards, allows the classic neck / both pickups / bridge combination, with all pickups always connected in series. A left-handed version is also available for an additional charge, and the model is also available in other colors, which can be viewed impressively on the Framus website.

With a weight of 3.1 kilograms, the Mayfield is a real lightweight despite its dimensions due to the largely hollow construction and allows you to endure the infamous six-hour dance events (some packing always comes at 1 a.m., generally shortly after you've already dismantled half of it, banging in a hundred bucks). on the table and shouts: “Come on boys, Spanish Eyes again”).


Practice

Yes, that's maple! From the very first notes, the Mayfield leaves no doubt as to which type of tree was primarily used here. Fast in response, crisp in tone and concise in tone development, just as you would expect from a traditional semi-acoustic guitar.

The instrument sounds very balanced across the entire spectrum, simply “rounded” and knows how to skilfully stake its claim. What also amazed me was the extensive sustain that the guitar displayed, as I had previously been used to this type of vibration behavior primarily from solid bodies in the “4 kilograms and more” department.

It is also interesting that a brand-new instrument already exhibits this high level of sound culture, which normally only occurs after a few months of individual playing. Slightly throaty, sometimes also nasal, the Mayfiled has a high level of assertiveness in the band context, without squawkingly drawing attention to itself through an over-presence of a certain frequency range.

When it comes to playability, the “pleked” neck is impressive with its strong dimensions. Even though neck shaping is a highly individual matter and my preferred “Neanderthal shaping” is really not for everyone, even the “average user” will have no problems with this neck.

The choice of pickup was successful, both the SH2 and the SH4 are convincing with their powerful timbre and moderate output in this combination and offer a very good basis for a characterful tone.


Conclusion

It shows again and again that experience cannot be compensated for. Framus, which has been working with the semi-acoustic construction principle for decades, also benefits from a corresponding company history. The best example is the Mayfield Custom, which, with its flawless appearance, excellent playability and excellent sound, can easily take the cake or two out of the American competition in the Electric Spanish segment.

Even if some people generally reject a pricing policy above the 3,000 euro mark, I would like to point out how much handwork goes into the instrument made in Germany (!).

Maximum yield for the eyes and ears, full marks!

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Additional Informations:

**Exploring the Origins and Evolution of the Gibson ES Series**

The Gibson ES (Electric Spanish) series stands as an iconic collection of semi-hollow and hollow-body electric guitars that have left an indelible mark on the world of music. From their inception in the 1930s to their continued relevance in the modern era, the ES series represents a fusion of craftsmanship, innovation, and sonic excellence. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the fascinating history and evolution of the Gibson ES series, tracing its roots, exploring its key models, and examining its enduring legacy.

**1. The Birth of the Electric Spanish Guitar**

The concept of the electric guitar was born out of the desire to amplify the sound of the traditional acoustic guitar, particularly in the context of big band and jazz music of the early 20th century. In 1936, Gibson introduced the ES-150, often hailed as the first commercially successful electric guitar. Designed in collaboration with pioneering jazz guitarist Charlie Christian, the ES-150 featured a single-coil pickup mounted on a hollow-body archtop design, setting the stage for the future of electric guitar innovation.

**2. The Golden Era of the ES Series**

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Gibson continued to refine and expand its ES series, introducing a diverse range of models that catered to the evolving needs of musicians across different genres. The ES-335, introduced in 1958, revolutionized the guitar industry with its semi-hollow construction, which combined the warmth and resonance of a hollow-body guitar with the feedback resistance of a solid-body instrument. The ES-335 quickly became a favorite among blues, rock, and jazz guitarists alike, thanks to its versatile tone and comfortable playability.

**3. Innovation and Experimentation**

In the following decades, Gibson continued to innovate within the ES series, introducing new features and designs to meet the demands of changing musical trends. The ES-345 and ES-355, introduced in the late 1950s, added upscale appointments such as stereo output and Varitone circuitry, catering to the needs of professional musicians seeking greater tonal versatility. Meanwhile, models like the ES-330 and ES-175D offered more affordable alternatives for players on a budget, without compromising on quality or performance.

**4. Enduring Classics and Contemporary Innovations**

In the 21st century, the Gibson ES series remains as relevant as ever, with a diverse lineup of models that appeal to a wide range of players. Classic models like the ES-335 and ES-175 continue to be mainstays in the Gibson catalog, cherished for their timeless design and unparalleled tone. Meanwhile, newer additions to the ES series, such as the ES-339 and ES-275, offer modern players enhanced playability and versatility, thanks to innovations in construction, electronics, and hardware.

**5. The Legacy of the ES Series**

The Gibson ES series holds a special place in the hearts of guitarists and music enthusiasts around the world, thanks to its rich history, iconic designs, and legendary tone. From the smoky jazz clubs of the 1930s to the stadium stages of the 21st century, ES guitars have played a vital role in shaping the sound of popular music across genres. Whether you're drawn to the vintage charm of a classic ES-335 or the contemporary performance of a modern ES model, there's a Gibson ES guitar that embodies the spirit of innovation, craftsmanship, and sonic excellence that defines the series.

**6. The Evolution of Design and Construction**

One of the key aspects of the Gibson ES series' enduring appeal is its evolution in design and construction techniques over the decades. From the early hand-carved archtops of the 1930s to the precision-crafted instruments of the present day, Gibson has continuously refined and perfected the art of building electric guitars. In the early years, ES guitars were typically constructed using laminated maple for the top, back, and sides, providing a balance of resonance and feedback resistance. As technology and manufacturing processes advanced, Gibson introduced innovations such as the use of solid center blocks in semi-hollow models like the ES-335, which helped reduce feedback while preserving the characteristic warmth and sustain of a hollow-body guitar.

**7. Endorsements and Cultural Impact**

Throughout its history, the Gibson ES series has been associated with some of the most influential musicians of the 20th and 21st centuries, further cementing its cultural significance. From blues legends like B.B. King and Freddie King, who famously wielded ES-335s nicknamed "Lucille," to rock icons like Chuck Berry and Eric Clapton, whose fiery performances on ES guitars helped define the sound of rock 'n' roll, the ES series has left an indelible mark on popular music. In addition to individual endorsements, Gibson has also collaborated with artists and bands to create signature ES models, such as the Trini Lopez and Dave Grohl DG-335, further expanding the series' appeal and cultural impact.

**8. Collectibility and Vintage Market**

As with many iconic instruments, vintage Gibson ES guitars have become highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, commanding premium prices on the vintage market. Vintage ES models from the 1950s and 1960s, in particular, are prized for their craftsmanship, tone, and historical significance. Factors such as originality, condition, and provenance play a significant role in determining the value of a vintage ES guitar, with rare and well-preserved examples fetching astronomical sums at auctions and private sales. The allure of owning a piece of music history, combined with the inherent quality and playability of vintage Gibson instruments, ensures that the demand for vintage ES guitars remains strong among collectors and players alike.

**9. Modern Production and Quality Control**

In recent years, Gibson has made concerted efforts to improve its production processes and quality control standards, ensuring that each Gibson ES guitar meets the highest standards of craftsmanship and playability. By investing in state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, implementing rigorous inspection protocols, and hiring skilled craftsmen and women, Gibson has reaffirmed its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. Modern Gibson ES guitars benefit from advancements in materials, technology, and engineering, resulting in instruments that offer exceptional tone, playability, and reliability straight out of the box.

**10. Looking Towards the Future**

As Gibson continues to evolve and innovate, the future of the ES series looks brighter than ever. With a renewed focus on quality, craftsmanship, and innovation, Gibson is poised to build on the legacy of the ES series and introduce new models that push the boundaries of electric guitar design and performance. Whether it's reimagining classic designs for the modern era or developing entirely new concepts and technologies, Gibson remains committed to meeting the needs of today's players while honoring the timeless tradition of the Electric Spanish guitar. As the journey of the Gibson ES series continues, one thing is certain: its influence and impact on the world of music will endure for generations to come.

**Conclusion**

The Gibson ES series stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the world's most iconic guitar manufacturers. From its humble beginnings in the 1930s to its continued relevance in the modern era, the ES series represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship, innovation, and sonic excellence. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring musician, a Gibson ES guitar offers the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, ensuring that its rich history and legendary tone will continue to inspire players for generations to come.