TEST: Framus Morrigan

 It's sometimes quite strange with the string stretchers' guild. Solidbody electric guitars have been built for almost 60 years now and both old guys and young people still divide almost the entire range of instruments into “more Fender-like” or “more Gibson-like”. Only very rarely have third manufacturers managed to create a concept in the 6 decades that could escape the product omnipotence of the two protagonists.

One of those exceptions was the emergence of the so-called “Powerstrats” at the end of the 1980s. Gibson just shot themselves in the foot by selling their company to the Norlin Group and the subterranean manufacturing quality that came with it, and Fender, despite having the most popular body shape of all time with the standard triple single coil configuration, was unable to satisfy the new emerging metal invasion in terms of sound. This was the starting point for companies like Kramer, ESP, Schecter, Charvel and many others, who at the time cleaned up the traditional guitar market with Strat shapes, powerful pickups and sometimes elaborate graffiti finishes.

The Framus Morrigan Custom I have can be assigned to this segment. With a slightly Strat-like shape and a powerful Seymour Duncan pickup set, the instrument starts exactly where you would expect.


Construction:

The body of the Morrigan Custom is made from basswood (linden). The neck made of maple (standing annual rings!) is, like the majority of Framus instruments, attached to the body using the patented bolt-in process. The fingerboard is made of deep black Tigerstripe Ebony, matching the black finish of the instrument, with 22 jumbo frets neatly embedded on it. The instrument has a long scale length (648 mm) and a fairly flat 12” fretboard radius. The so-called “Sharkfin” inlays are used as fingerboard inlays, an optical decoration that was first discovered on Jackson guitars in the mid-eighties.

For the first time with the Morrigan, Framus is introducing an innovation regarding the tuning mechanisms. To date, all instruments have been delivered with the 3-left-3-right construction on the headstock; this is the first time that the 6-in-line principle has been used. Due to the clamping saddle of the original Floyd Rose vibrato, locking mechanisms were omitted. The well-known Floyd Rose bridge construction works according to the patented knife edge principle with its well-known advantages (tuning stability) and disadvantages (loss of sustain). The strap is attached to the in-house security locks, and the entire hardware of the instrument is black.

There is also a new feature in the pickup assembly. Dave Mustaine, protagonist of the band Megadeth, which has degenerated into a one-man company, was the inspiration for the so-called Live Wire Set, which bases the signal processing on a Class A circuit and uses the popular SH-2/SH-4 as a sound reference combination has. The circuitry is very straight forward; a three-way switch allows the two pickups to be selected individually plus their parallel connection.

The shaping of the guitar is also worth mentioning. Here everything was milled to ensure an ergonomic playing feel, even in rather unusual areas. First of all, we have the ever-popular “beer belly milling” on the back, along with a generous recess at the neck transition for friction-free playing in high registers. In my opinion, the marginal recess on the lower cutaway towards the ceiling was also successful, which guarantees the fourth finger the freedom it needs for excursions beyond the 20th fret. The slanted ceiling flanks, which each take up about a third of the ceiling, are unusual but useful. If the lower bevel has more visual reasons, because it is symmetrical to the upper bevel, it replaces the often practiced forearm milling to ensure a comfortable arm rest.


Practice:

Look, when you pick up the instrument for the first time, you are surprised by its unexpectedly high weight. I have almost 4 kg of fighting weight in my hands, it's an instrument with chest hair! What may put too much pressure on one or another pussy's shoulders is compensated for with an unexpectedly long sustain for a Floyd Rose-equipped guitar.

Anyone who didn't know that the instrument was built specifically for the hard and heavy groups will know where the big deal is when it's put into operation via an amplifier. The Live Wire Set has a very high output power, which makes creating clean sounds on the amp a real challenge. In some cases you actually have to turn down the volume control a little to be able to enjoy the pearly, undistorted sounds, such is the high level of the system's basic output. In the distorted area, the Morrigan is convincing across the board. The Class-A preamp set has a very high inherent compression from the factory, which gives the compression of a distorted sound even more density. Whether ex-drug nose Mustaine even appreciates this circuitry effort, let alone perceives it acoustically, remains to be seen; the fact is that the concept sounds very powerful.

In terms of gameplay, Morrigan makes it really easy to show off your creativity. A moderate C-shaping of the neck does not allow for excessive exertion, and the frets, which are neatly shaped using PLEK technology, create a pleasant playing feeling. But BE CAREFUL, we are dealing with jumbo frets here! What creates a legato feeling on the one hand and creates bends with great ease, needs to be handled with great discipline on the other. Always remember to have your string pressure completely under control, with the 009 factory set, excessive string pressure turns into an intonation debacle with a tonal deviation of up to 50 cents in a fraction of a second! But if you always keep this in mind, the instrument will thank you for being easy to play in all positions.


Conclusion:

Heavy Metal Is The Law! ;-) The Morrigan Custom is black, aggressive and has a powerful sound and leaves no doubt as to which genre it was designed for. In the tradition of the Powerstrats, Framus is pushing into the realm of Ibanez & Co. with this model and is preparing to leave a real mark on the “tall men in black clothes” clientele. However, you shouldn't make the mistake of reducing the instrument to the metal area, as this would be doing the instrument an injustice. The Morrigan also knows how to impress in the rock sector, depending on the amplifier used, so test it out and form your own opinion!

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Additional Informations:

**Unveiling the Genesis of the Powerstrat: A Comprehensive Journey into its Origins**

The Powerstrat, a revered variant of the iconic Fender Stratocaster, holds a unique position in the realm of electric guitars. Its emergence, evolution, and enduring influence have contributed significantly to the sonic landscape of modern music. In this detailed exploration, we embark on a comprehensive journey to uncover the fascinating history behind the Powerstrat, tracing its origins, examining its distinctive features, and unraveling its impact on musicians and the industry.

**1. The Legacy of the Fender Stratocaster**

Before delving into the Powerstrat's genesis, it's essential to acknowledge the formidable legacy of its predecessor, the Fender Stratocaster. Introduced in 1954, the Stratocaster revolutionized the electric guitar world with its sleek design, versatile tonal capabilities, and innovative features such as the tremolo bridge and three single-coil pickups. Its iconic double-cutaway body shape, contoured for comfort and playability, quickly became synonymous with the electric guitar itself, earning the Stratocaster a place of honor among musicians of all genres.

**2. The Emergence of the Powerstrat Concept**

The concept of the Powerstrat emerged in response to the evolving needs and preferences of guitarists in the late 20th century. As musical styles shifted towards heavier genres such as hard rock, heavy metal, and progressive rock, players sought instruments capable of delivering a more aggressive, high-gain sound. While the traditional single-coil pickups of the standard Stratocaster excelled in delivering sparkling cleans and bell-like tones, they were often perceived as lacking the punch and sustain required for heavier styles of music. Thus, the idea of the Powerstrat was born—a Stratocaster modified with humbucking pickups and other enhancements to unlock its full sonic potential in high-gain settings.

**3. Customization and Experimentation**

The early days of the Powerstrat saw guitarists experimenting with various modifications and customizations to achieve the desired balance of power, clarity, and sustain. One of the most significant modifications involved replacing the standard single-coil pickups with humbuckers—dual-coil pickups known for their higher output and noise-canceling properties. This simple yet effective alteration transformed the Stratocaster's tone, imbuing it with a thicker, more aggressive sound that was well-suited to the demands of heavy rock music.

In addition to pickup upgrades, Powerstrats often featured other modifications such as aftermarket bridges, locking tuners, upgraded electronics, and alternative wiring schemes to further enhance their performance and playability. These modifications allowed players to tailor their instruments to suit their individual playing styles and sonic preferences, resulting in a diverse array of Powerstrat configurations and variations.

**4. Influential Players and Signature Models**

As the Powerstrat gained popularity among guitarists seeking a heavier, more aggressive sound, influential players began to adopt and endorse modified Stratocasters tailored to their specific needs. These signature Powerstrat models, bearing the names of renowned guitarists, served as showcases for the capabilities of the modified instrument and further fueled its popularity among players and fans.

One of the most notable examples is the "Superstrat" designed by Eddie Van Halen, which featured a custom-built Stratocaster body with a humbucking pickup in the bridge position, a Floyd Rose tremolo system, and other enhancements inspired by Van Halen's innovative playing style. Other notable players who popularized the Powerstrat concept include Yngwie Malmsteen, Ritchie Blackmore, and Dave Murray, each of whom contributed to the evolution and proliferation of modified Stratocasters tailored for high-gain performance.

**5. Evolution and Commercialization**

As the demand for Powerstrat-style guitars continued to grow, guitar manufacturers took notice and began offering production models that incorporated many of the modifications and features associated with the modified Stratocaster. Companies like Fender, Charvel, Jackson, and Ibanez introduced a range of Superstrat models designed to appeal to players seeking the enhanced playability and versatility of the modified instrument.

These production Powerstrats often featured double-locking tremolo systems, high-output humbucking pickups, slim neck profiles, and other features designed to meet the demands of modern guitarists. While purists may argue that the true essence of the Powerstrat lies in its customized and personalized nature, the availability of production models has made the high-performance Stratocaster more accessible to a wider audience of players.

**6. Enduring Legacy and Influence**

Today, the Powerstrat continues to be a staple of the electric guitar landscape, cherished by players for its versatility, playability, and distinctive tone. Its impact can be felt across a wide range of musical genres, from hard rock and heavy metal to fusion, progressive rock, and beyond. Whether wielded by virtuosic shredders, blues-rock maestros, or experimental innovators, the Powerstrat remains a versatile tool in the arsenal of contemporary guitarists, capable of delivering a wide range of tones and textures with ease.

**Conclusion**

The Powerstrat stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation, experimentation, and customization in the world of electric guitars. From its humble beginnings as a modified Stratocaster to its widespread commercialization and continued evolution, the Powerstrat has left an indelible mark on the sonic landscape of modern music. As players continue to push the boundaries of guitar performance and tone, the Powerstrat remains a symbol of creativity, versatility, and sonic exploration, ensuring its place in the pantheon of legendary electric guitars for generations to come.