FEATURE: My Favorite Instrument

 We've all heard the popular question, "If you could only take one guitar with you to a desert island, what would it be?" The answer is actually clear, it has to be an acoustic guitar, because you don't have power for an amp :-) But when it comes to picking one instrument out of many, I have to go a little further. I am in the fortunate position of having access to a large pool of instruments with everything you could possibly want. Depending on the style, musical approach and area of application, the selection varies enormously, so that I can't settle on one instrument in terms of sound. But what goes far beyond the “normal” is a custom-made product that was made just for me according to my specifications. Here, too, I have accumulated some great instruments over the course of my career, but even from this great selection, one instrument stands out that is outstanding in every respect. Welcome to my Framus Panthera Baritone Axel Ritt Custom.

The concept of my Framus Panthera Baritone Axel Ritt Custom

Anyone who knows me knows that I have always come from the Paula camp. Not that the Strat bearing is in any way of inferior quality in my opinion, on the contrary, the single coil department is far superior to the humbucker depending on the style of music, but if I had to decide on one bearing, it would be the big "G" . When I started my cooperation with Framus a few years ago, I was in the great situation that the Markneukirchen manufactory made me one or more suitable instruments for each of my musical areas of application and I was therefore able to enjoy “all-round worry-free” equipment.

Since I really liked the Panthera model straight away, it should also be the basis for the instrument described here, but not without pretty much every detail being modified at my request. It is well known that Framus and Warwick not only employ outstanding craftsmen, but also true artists (“whatever you want, we will build it for you”). For example, anyone who has taken a look on Instagram at the complex work that leaves the factory will have a rough idea of what is possible in terms of craftsmanship in Vogtland.

For my work at GRAVE DIGGER, I own 2 Panthera Custom models, which also have some special features, but differ little from the series models in terms of dimensions (scale length, etc.). This is no longer the case with my Framus Panthera Baritone Axel Ritt Custom. It is a baritone guitar, which I need for my other two bands HELLRYDER and MONSTERGROOVE and which has completely different tunings.

The structure in detail

Maybe some people already know, but I was given my nickname “Ironfinger” by my colleagues because I play 013 - 056 strings in standard tuning, for which the Pyramid string manufacturer makes me a signature set. The background is my extremely hard touch, where a regular 010 set lasts about 20 minutes, then the D or A string usually pops out. Almost 30 years ago I worked my way up from 011s and 012s to 013s, which finally let me play the way I want. However, the demands on the instrument are very high, so the neck has to have a minimum of mass so as not to twist and the use of a Floyd Rose vibrato system, for example, is also not possible. I once tried it on a Jackson with five springs in the spring chamber, whereupon the drive-in sleeves broke out of the body. Do not try this!

In order to be able to implement this string tension on a baritone guitar, several structural measures are required. On the one hand, I have an extra-long scale length of 76 cm on the instrument, even for baritone dimensions, which means I have already arrived at a medium scale bass. This scale length increases the string tension again and ensures a quick and crisp response, which is even more important with the deep tuning. The string thickness was also calculated and adjusted, which also results in a baritone signature set of Pyramid 015 - 064, which is in the tuning B - E - A - D - F # - B. Very suitable if the bass player plays a regular 5-string.

In a direct comparison, the body appears, as expected, a little smaller than a regular scale length, but the placement of the neck pickup is much more noticeable. Due to the scale length, this moves further forward on the body, but is still below the (imaginary) 24th fret, where the best harmonics for a neck pickup are located, a reason why I prefer 22-fret guitars to 24-fret ones.

The next special feature of this custom-made product is the scalloped fretboard, which is found on all of my instruments that have been built for me in the last 10 years. The advantage of a scalloped fretboard is the three-fold possibility to perform vibrato (right, left, down) and the easier bending because the fingertip no longer has to be pushed over the fingerboard. The disadvantage is the absolutely even finger pressure, which must be ensured both when playing solo and especially when playing chords. However, I get around this disadvantage by using the extreme string tension, which enables regular string pressure and still has the advantages of the scalloped fretboard.

As for pickups, I use EMG pickups like on all my custom instruments. I've been playing nothing else, at least with my stage instruments, for almost 33 years now and it will probably stay that way. A cream-colored 85 is used on the neck and a black 81 on the bridge. No coil switching or anything like that, a pure LP circuit. In order to reduce battery consumption, the Framus Panthera Baritone Custom has a battery that can be charged on the back with a USB cable and a mobile standard charger. You can also use regular 9V batteries for the system.

My trademark in the form of the black and white stripes is used as a finish, although we opted for a very eye-catching, transparent varnish so as not to varnish the “lots of A’s” flamed maple top, which would have been a real shame. The body is made of mahogany, the neck is also made of ebony and the fingerboard is made of ebony. On the 12th fret is my mascot in the form of a laser-engraved roof. Dragons stand for courage, tenacity and intelligence and have always appealed to me since I was a child.

In some cases I have to use bass equipment to transport the instrument. When I travel to shows by train or in a van, I can just about transport the instrument in a double gig bag from Mono (the best gig bags in the world). Unfortunately, this is no longer possible at air shows. Here I use bass cases from Enki, which do a very good job. In order to be able to locate the equipment easily worldwide, all cases are equipped with a GPS tracker and can be tracked in the event of “location in the airport” or theft. And should I locate and track down a stolen instrument, God bless you...

The sound

The sound of the Framus Panthera Baritone Axel Ritt Custom is the maximum impact you can conjure up from a baritone guitar. Due to the extra long scale length, the tone is very percussive, tight and allows for accentuated playing, despite the long attack phase of the strings, which always works very well despite the deep tuning. No sloppy “babble” that you know from many downtunings, but the tightness of a regular guitar with the bass thrust of a baritone Ferrari that is 5 semitones lower.

I intentionally don't use bass-heavy amps to transmit the sound, perhaps with correspondingly oversized cabinets, as in this case you're hitting the bass player's legs from behind in terms of frequency. If you have a tight 5-string in the band, it is important to clearly separate the frequency ranges from each other, otherwise you will only end up with mud dripping out of the speakers both in the studio and live.

Live I play the Framus Panthera Baritone Axel Ritt Custom via various Hughes & Kettner amps with the appropriate cabinets. The Triamp, the Grandmeister series, the BS200 series and, if space is tight, the Ampman series are used. For the corresponding sound examples, I recommend the second single from my band HELLRYDER - “Nightrider” and the live recording of “Lady Marmalade” from my band MONSTERGROOVE, you can find the video links below.

Although the instrument is a one-off, it can be recreated 1:1 at any time by the Framus Custom Shop department. If you are interested, please contact Framus directly.

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Additional Informations:

In the annals of musical instrument manufacturing, the saga of Framus emerges as a rich tapestry interwoven with threads of innovation, resilience, and a tireless commitment to the art of crafting musical instruments. Born in 1946 amidst the post-World War II era, Framus, initially christened Franconian Musical Instruments, was the brainchild of Fred Wilfer, a visionary craftsman with a passion for instruments.

Fred Wilfer's journey commenced in Saxony, where he established a modest workshop dedicated to the repair and construction of string instruments. As the winds of reconstruction swept across post-war Germany, Wilfer astutely recognized the evolving landscape of musical preferences and an increasing demand for affordable instruments. In the 1950s, this foresight led Framus to pivot towards guitar production, marking the genesis of a legacy that would span generations.

The 1950s and 1960s witnessed the burgeoning of Framus into a powerhouse of innovation. The "Idea of the Month" initiative, introduced in this era, became a crucible of creativity, regularly birthing new designs and models that captivated musicians across genres. This dynamic approach positioned Framus as a pioneering force, offering a diverse palette of instruments tailored to cater to a kaleidoscope of musical expressions.

The swinging 1960s witnessed Framus reaching pinnacles of influence as its instruments found homes in the hands of iconic musicians such as John Lennon and Bill Wyman. The "Beatle Bass" became an emblem of cultural and musical revolution, solidifying Framus as not just a manufacturer but a cultural influencer. However, the subsequent decade posed challenges, prompting transitions in ownership and management, a testament to the brand's ability to adapt.

The late 1970s and early 1980s marked a transformative period for Framus as it joined forces with Warwick GmbH & Co Music Equipment KG. This strategic alliance injected renewed vitality into the brand, combining Framus's legacy with Warwick's contemporary expertise. Despite the industry's turbulence during this time, Framus not only withstood the storm but emerged stronger, reaffirming its standing as a premier producer of high-caliber guitars and basses.

As the 20th century drew to a close, Framus navigated the evolving terrain of technology and craftsmanship. The brand embraced a philosophy that harmonized traditional techniques with modern innovations, standing as a beacon of precision and sonic excellence. The dawn of the 21st century heralded a renaissance for Framus, characterized by a renewed commitment to customization through the establishment of the Framus Custom Shop. This bespoke workshop became a haven for musicians seeking instruments tailored to their unique sonic preferences, elevating Framus to the zenith of artisanal instrument crafting.

In the present day, Framus stands as an enduring testament to German craftsmanship, a living legacy that resonates through the hands of musicians globally. The brand's expansive lineup, spanning classic designs to avant-garde models, continues to inspire, forging a harmonious symphony that echoes across time. Framus's narrative is one of indomitable spirit, adaptability, and an unwavering passion for the art of music—an opus etched into the very soul of musical instrument history.

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**The Evolving Symphony: A Comprehensive Chronicle of the Baritone Guitar's History**

The Baritone guitar, a unique and versatile instrument with a distinctive tonal range, has traversed a fascinating journey through the pages of musical history. Its evolution is a story of innovation, adaptation, and the pursuit of new sonic horizons.

**Origins and Early Development:**
The roots of the Baritone guitar can be traced back to the mid-20th century. While various iterations of extended-range guitars existed, it was not until the 1950s that the Baritone guitar, with its elongated scale length and lower pitch, began to take a recognizable form. Pioneering figures in the instrument's early history include Danelectro, which introduced the Baritone guitar in the late 1950s.

**Usage in Popular Music:**
The 1960s marked a pivotal era for the Baritone guitar, as it found its place in popular music genres. Artists such as Duane Eddy embraced the instrument's deep, resonant tones, using it to create iconic melodies in instrumental rock. Its warm, distinctive sound made it a sought-after choice in the studio and on stage.

**Expanding Boundaries in the 1980s:**
The 1980s witnessed a resurgence of interest in the Baritone guitar, partly fueled by advancements in guitar manufacturing and experimentation in alternative tunings. Electric guitar manufacturers like Fender and Gibson began producing Baritone models, expanding the instrument's accessibility. Musicians in various genres, including country, jazz, and alternative rock, embraced the Baritone for its ability to add a unique sonic dimension to their compositions.

**Baritone in Modern Rock and Metal:**
The late 20th century and early 21st century saw the Baritone guitar carving a niche in rock and metal genres. Bands like Deftones and Tool incorporated the instrument's deep, growling tones into their heavy soundscapes. The Baritone's extended scale length allowed for downtuning without sacrificing string tension, making it an ideal choice for players exploring lower registers.

**Customization and Artistry:**
As the Baritone guitar gained popularity, luthiers and custom builders began crafting bespoke instruments, catering to the specific needs and preferences of musicians. The Framus Panthera Baritone Axel Ritt Custom, for example, stands as a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship and personalized design that can be achieved in Baritone guitars.

**Contemporary Renaissance:**
In the present day, the Baritone guitar is experiencing a renaissance. Its diverse application in genres ranging from indie and folk to metal and jazz showcases its adaptability. Contemporary artists, such as Chelsea Wolfe and Baroness, use the Baritone to explore new sonic territories, demonstrating its enduring appeal and versatility.

**Conclusion:**
The Baritone guitar's journey is one of continual evolution and adaptation, weaving its deep, resonant tones into the fabric of diverse musical genres. From its early days as a novelty to its current status as an integral part of modern music, the Baritone guitar's story is a testament to the instrument's ability to inspire musicians to push sonic boundaries and explore uncharted musical territories. As it continues to evolve, the Baritone guitar remains an instrument of choice for those seeking to add a rich, distinctive voice to the symphony of contemporary music.