FRAMUS
HOLLYWOOD DC
BY DIMITRI SIDERIADIS
As the big American guitar manufactur- ers were swelling in size and success
during the rock ’n’ roll explosion of the
’60s, European manufacturers were also
evolving and enjoying a similar—though
still unique—trajectory. By the mid ’60s,
the largest among them was Germany’s
Framus International, a brand with global
recognition and a full line of instruments,
from solidbody and hollowbody electrics
to steel- and nylon-string acoustics, ban-
jos, lap-steel guitars, and other stringed
instruments. However, bankruptcy eventu-
ally forced Framus into almost 20 years
of hibernation before it was revived by
Warwick in 1995. It has since flourished
and become a major player in Europe once
again, thanks to its wide range of guitars
and amplifiers. This year, the company
stepped up its game in the US market by
opening a flagship store in lower Manhattan
and releasing an Earl Slick signature model
that was co-designed with the New York-
based former David Bowie sideman.
sweet Cream
While there’s no shortage of retro-styled
guitars today, many of them lack the visual
balance that made the vintage classics so
beautiful. In this respect, the Hollywood
DC is a welcome breath of fresh air. Its
curves are modest rather than wonky, its
body is compact and ultra light, and its con-
trols and hardware are cool yet functional
and discreet. The polished cream finish on
our review model has a quality look and is
a great match for the dark rosewood fret-
board and black binding. The aged plastic
parts, bone-colored Graph Tech nut, and
brass truss-rod cover with traditional Framus
emblem complement the vintage look. The
rotary pickup selector and universal Bass/
Treble tone knobs remind you that you’ve
picked up something a bit removed from
American design convention. The tailpiece
and bridge are surprisingly austere—height
is the only adjustment you can make on this
slotted, palm mute-friendly bridge—and
they contribute to the Hollywood’s funky
vibe. A true headstock inlay (rather than
a painted-on motif) would have provided
Bar bridge
Vintage-style
single-coils
Plywood semi-hollow body
Volume, Treble,
and Bass knobs
4-way rotary pickup
selector w/off position
