The Guitar Master is a big fan of Framus Guitars!
The quality speaks for itself, and it’s something you need to experience to truly understand. The looks, craftsmanship, sound, and attention to detail set these guitars apart. Come and discover this unique German brand for yourself!
All Team-, Masterbuilt-, and Custom Shop models are equipped with IFT (Invisible Fretwork Technology) and PLEK. The wood is naturally and carefully dried for years, the finish undergoes a special UV treatment, and the guitars are built exclusively to order by a small team of passionate luthiers. No mass production—just pure craftsmanship. Additionally, this entire process is 94% CO₂-neutral, making Framus one of the greenest guitar manufacturers in the world.
Today, we’ll explore the differences between the Idolmaker and the Idolmaker 5’r.
The Idolmaker was designed in collaboration with guitarists Stevie Salas and Phil X. Stevie Salas, an icon in the music industry, has worked with legends like Bootsy Collins, Rod Stewart, and Justin Timberlake. Phil X, now known as the permanent guitarist for Bon Jovi, also contributed to this guitar's design.
We believe this model is destined to become iconic. It’s not a look-alike, but a unique and distinctive design that continues to captivate.
Body
When we look at the bodies and the woods used, there are a few key differences:
Idolmaker The Idolmaker features a mahogany body with a maple top. The design is truly a work of art, with layered shapes and depths. Mahogany is known for its warm, full sound and is often used in high-end guitars for its density. It emphasizes midrange tones, delivering a balanced, powerful sound. An excellent choice for players who love a rich, warm tone.
Idolmaker 5’r In contrast, the Idolmaker 5’r has a body made from swamp ash. This wood, popular since the early Stratocasters, is much lighter and has a completely different sound. Swamp ash is celebrated for its bright high tones, defined midrange, and strong low end. The sound is sweet and balanced, with a unique clarity and warmth.
Neck
The necks of these models are also distinct:
The Idolmaker has a mahogany neck with an ebony fingerboard. The scale length is 24.75" (Les Paul scale), and the neck includes 22 jumbo frets finished with IFT and PLEK technology.
The Idolmaker 5’r, on the other hand, has a maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard. The scale length is 25.5" (Strat scale) and also features 22 jumbo frets with the same high-end fretwork technologies.
These differences in wood and scale length not only affect the tone but also the playing feel.
Pickups
Pickups are a significant part of the sound, but the combination of pickups, wood, and construction plays an equally crucial role.
Idolmaker: Framus collaborates with Seymour Duncan, one of the most renowned pickup manufacturers. The Idolmaker is equipped with a ’59 humbucker (SH-1n) in the neck position and a JB model humbucker in the bridge position. This pairing provides a warm, full sound with excellent balance between clarity and sustain. Perfect for various genres, from blues to hard rock.
Idolmaker 5’r:The Idolmaker 5’r is outfitted with Seymour Duncan Classic Stack Plus single coils in the neck, middle, and bridge positions. These pickups deliver that classic Strat sound without the annoying 60-cycle hum. Their clarity, definition, and vintage vibe make this model ideal for players who love clean tones and rich overdrive sounds.
Specifications at a Glance
Idolmaker
Body: Mahogany with a maple top
Warm, full tone
Balanced, powerful sound
Artistic design with layers and depth
Neck: Mahogany with ebony fingerboard
Scale: 24.75” (Les Paul scale)
22 jumbo frets finished with IFT and PLEK
Pickups: Seymour Duncan
Neck: ’59 model humbucker (SH-1n)
Bridge: JB model humbucker
Full, warm sound with sustain and clear attack
Ideal for blues, rock, and hard rock
Idolmaker 5’r
Experience the Difference!
While we can describe these models in detail, nothing beats experiencing them yourself. Visit our store, and we’ll be happy to let you hear and feel the difference between the Idolmaker and the Idolmaker 5’r.
The Guitar Master is Europe's only dealer with the largest collection of Framus Guitars. Discover for yourself why this brand is so special.
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