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BoneDigger - Posted - 01/17/2026: 15:53:32
I have a local store that has an older Framus long neck for sale that needs some work. Nothing major. It's missing a bridge and probably needs a good setup. I can probably get it fir about $400. Or, I could buy a new Gold Tone AC1 LN for about $350. It's all composite, but gets good enough reviews, especially fur the cost.
I'm guessing the Framus is a 60s or 70s model. I am not positive of the pot construction but it does have a flat resonator. I have plenty of bridges and even tuners I could swap in if needed. I'm just not sure the old banjo is worth the hassle?
Thoughts?
Mickhammer - Posted - 01/18/2026: 00:14:13
German-built wood/plywood vs bottom-of-the-range Chinese-built plastic...
BoneDigger - Posted - 01/18/2026: 00:17:12
Yeah, pretty much. Did you have anything to contribute about these? I'm honestly interested in your thoughts.
Bawheid - Posted - 01/18/2026: 02:29:16
Im a long neck player and though I've never had a Framus I've always heard they are a bit of a sleeper for how good they sound. They are very very common over here in UK and i regularly see them sit on auction sites or sell for £200-300. Im not sure how they varied during the years. I believe them to be decently built, just a little fugly.
There is a well known folk performer over here (Ireland) who tours using one.
The Gold Tone is pretty much an amazon basics banjo.
Andrew Roblin - Posted - 01/18/2026: 03:46:09
I had a Framus long-neck. Very nice instrument. Only sold it because I wasn't using it.
If possible, get your Framus checked by a pro repairman before purchase.
CrazyCatLazy - Posted - 01/18/2026: 05:08:30
Folk on here get really upset about the fact modern, factory built Chinese instruments are regularly better made and more reliable than old instruments that have been sat in poor conditions for goodness knows how long. I assume it's because they themselves have old instruments and they like the idea of their outstanding, mythical qualities, and so need to propagate that myth.
If you like the feel and the sound of the Gold Tone, buy it new, with a nice warranty and enjoy a reliable solid instrument for years to come. If you don't like the feel and sound of it, shop around and find something you like that seems sturdy, and hope the neck doesn't pretzel if you ever feel like changing the string gauge
Bart Veerman - Posted - 01/18/2026: 06:54:51
The Framus is far more capable of sound/tone than the GT. The way their necks are made, in the old East Germany, they're impossible to warp.
If your arm get tired because of the longer stretch put your capo on the 3rd fret and then it'll play/feel like a "regular banjo."
It's very hard to find a case for a long-neck.
My personal pref: the Framus all the way.
GrahamHawker - Posted - 01/18/2026: 12:17:15
quote:
Originally posted by Bawheid
The Gold Tone is pretty much an amazon basics banjo.
That's not true at all. The AC range easily out performs cheap wood rim banjos and even somewhat better cheaper banjos. For the price they are hard to beat.
BoneDigger - Posted - 01/18/2026: 12:52:34
Thanks for the replies! Any idea what a Framus long neck would be worth? It's in fair to good condition and needs some work. It has no bridge, so I really couldn't try it out. The dealer wasn't specific but said "Maybe around $500", but that seems a little high to me. Thoughts? I might could get it for $400 if I try hard enough. But even that might be high. I probably have a bridge I can use, and the head is intact. The neck looked fine but I didn't really check the frets.
I don't think this is one of the higher end versions with a flattop tone ring. I assume it may have a tone hoop of some kind.
KCJones - Posted - 01/18/2026: 14:07:39
I had a framus long neck. I liked it. I sold it because I wasn't using it really.
500 sounds crazy high. 400 seems high to me too. I paid 75 for mine when I got it, but that was admittedly a great deal at a thrift shop, and back around 2017. I sold it for $200 after about a year.
I would offer him $200 and stand firm. It needs a bridge, it's not in playable condition, which carries a significant discount. You'll need to put a new bridge on it, new strings, probably wash the whole thing too. But if he's asking 500, it's possible he overpaid and actually thinks it's worth that. If the seller won't listen to reason I'd walk away. You should be able to buy two framus banjos for 500 bucks.
I wouldn't buy an AC-series banjo. I know online people say they're great and they're popular, but I've played them and am not impressed. Plastic rim, plastic finish, plastic nut. They'd be good for like $150 but Gold Tone charges way too much for them.
Edited by - KCJones on 01/18/2026 14:09:42
Mickhammer - Posted - 01/18/2026: 14:49:31
quote:
Originally posted by BoneDigger
Yeah, pretty much. Did you have anything to contribute about these? I'm honestly interested in your thoughts.
I haven't played one, so can't comment on this specific model. I did have a couple of other Framus instruments - a parlor guitar and a tenor banjo - and neither were very playable. The thing I don't like about the AC models is that they're entry-level stuff (and a composite rim is a no-go for me).
There's a Framus LN for sale for me - at the moment it's 380 euros. I haven't bought it because it's too far away to play it before buying , and mostly because I don't know if my shoulder/elbow will support the longer reach nowadays.
On the other hand, I've bought other higher-end Gold Tones sight unseen with no hesitation, so there's that.
I agree that $500 is way too much for that banjo in that condition. I wouldn't even pay $200 for it - my guess is it's taken too much abuse to be playable. I should probably take back what I said earlier, since now that I think about it, I've had pretty bad luck with Framus in terms of quality. (I was thinking of Hofner, who made excellent instruments)
Edited by - Mickhammer on 01/18/2026 15:06:16
Mickhammer - Posted - 01/18/2026: 15:01:28
quote:
Originally posted by CrazyCatLazy
Folk on here get really upset about the fact modern, factory built Chinese instruments are regularly better made
Many if not most of my instruments were made in China or Indonesia, where they invested heavily in digital production technologies, which makes it possible for them to churn out tons of very well made instruments. At my skill level, I can't justify dropping 2000 euros on an instrument when I can pick up something like the Gretsch 9455 (my current favorite) used for 200.
It really depends on the brand's specifications. I had a Gold Tone MM-150 which was an excellent banjo - but the specifications for those AC banjos are nowhere near as high. One thing I hate about Chinese-built instruments is that most of them appeared to have been dipped in polyester. I really don't like a glossy finish, especially one that will never age (which is why I sold the MM-150 and why I'll be selling my Gold Tone Banjola)
Edited by - Mickhammer on 01/18/2026 15:02:13
banjonz - Posted - 01/18/2026: 17:46:33
quote:
Originally posted by Bart Veerman
The Framus is far more capable of sound/tone than the GT. The way their necks are made, in the old East Germany, they're impossible to warp.
If your arm get tired because of the longer stretch put your capo on the 3rd fret and then it'll play/feel like a "regular banjo."
It's very hard to find a case for a long-neck.mas unique, especially their action adjusting mech. Very simple and easy to do.
Bart Veerman - Posted - 01/19/2026: 06:42:27
quote:
Originally posted by BoneDigger
It's in fair to good condition and needs some work. It has no bridge
That don't sound encouraging... A new bridge is no prob but you better find out exactly what needs fixing > could you do it yourself or would you need to find a luthier with banjo experience. Let us know because we might change our opinion.
Emiel - Posted - 01/19/2026: 09:08:35
quote:
Originally posted by Bart Veerman
The Framus is far more capable of sound/tone than the GT. The way their necks are made, in the old East Germany, they're impossible to warp.
[…]
My personal pref: the Framus all the way.
Mine too, but Framus wasn't made in East-Germany (GDR), it was from West-Germany…
mikehalloran - Posted - 01/20/2026: 11:53:26
The "composite" GT is their variation on the same plastic banjo sold under many names for the last 25 years or so. The plastic rim is softer than the Bakelite Harmonys from the 1960s that are being copied. Saga sold a cast aluminum version of that pot for decades as the 30 series but it's long discontinued, unfortunately. My daughter has the last one I owned.
Harmony did make a long neck that can be found under many brands on eBay now and then—found one under the Old Kraftman (Speigel catalog) brand in a thrift shop for $50 not long ago and sold it for $200. Here's one on eBay — the Bakelite is chromed like on a model car. I have no interest in it but have added to my Watch List just to see if it sells anywhere near the asking price.
Harmony long neck on eBay
The only problem I've ever had with Framus is all of the nuts and bolts that need to be secure—and so often aren't. If you have a mechanical mind, go for the Framus but don't be surprised if you have to take it apart and re-assemble it from scratch. It will be fun and you'll not only have the better banjo but it will be a conversation piece whenever you bring it out in public.
Whatever you chose, buy it to play. Don't expect to make any money be reselling either.
BoneDigger - Posted - 01/20/2026: 18:57:49
Thanks for the awesome replies! I am going to pass on these for now. I revisited the Framus today and I couldn't pay more that $250 in the shape it is. I also don't want to settle for a plastic banjo.
BoneDigger - Posted - 01/21/2026: 12:06:47
Slight update here. He has offered to sell it to me for $300. Any thoughts on this newer price?
pinenut - Posted - 01/21/2026: 12:26:58
quote:
Originally posted by BoneDigger
Slight update here. He has offered to sell it to me for $300. Any thoughts on this newer price?
If you like it, can resurrect it, your lover is okay with it and it meets your needs; $300 doesn't amount to much from a long term use and ownership perspective.
And, $300 is a fine price for a long neck Framus. 
Edited by - pinenut on 01/21/2026 12:40:37
BoneDigger - Posted - 01/21/2026: 23:05:37
Thanks! I may consider it. I like fixing things up. Do these use standard sized heads?
RB-1 - Posted - 01/26/2026: 13:05:24
quote:
Originally posted by pinenut
quote:
Originally posted by BoneDigger
Thanks! I may consider it. I like fixing things up. Framus is on my list of things to check out too.
Do these use standard sized heads?
I think @mike gregory and @Bart Veerman would know what size head that Framus used for certain.
I just measured it for you on mine: 11" Can't find the crown height though. it looks similar to my RB-1, but I'm not sure. Most of us in the Netherlands, starting between mid 60-ies and mid 70-ies had a Framus at some point.... 
Edited by - RB-1 on 01/26/2026 13:08:40
BoneDigger - Posted - 01/26/2026: 13:07:52
Okay, so it shouldn't require a strange sized head though? This is good to know.
Since I have y been able to play it, thoughts on how these sound?
lazlototh - Posted - 01/26/2026: 13:54:03
The Framus is an odd instrument but it can sound pretty good. I refitted a Framus pot that had no neck with a new neck. It was a decent instrument. For $300 you can have some fun and learn a lot. BH is always here when questions arise.
I think the GT AC is a decent banjo for the price. I am not adverse to different materials, especially at that cost.
Nonetheless, the Framus can offer you some fun and be "online" in an afternoon.
pinenut - Posted - 01/26/2026: 14:12:07
quote:
Originally posted by RB-1
quote:
Originally posted by pinenut
quote:
Originally posted by BoneDigger
Thanks! I may consider it. I like fixing things up. Framus is on my list of things to check out too.
Do these use standard sized heads?
I think @mike gregory and @Bart Veerman would know what size head that Framus used for certain.
I just measured it for you on mine: 11" Can't find the crown height though. it looks similar to my RB-1, but I'm not sure. Most of us in the Netherlands, starting between mid 60-ies and mid 70-ies had a Framus at some point....
I love the Framus, artsy meets industrial, style.
That one's an archtop; probably low crown.
Edited by - pinenut on 01/26/2026 14:15:51
RB-1 - Posted - 01/26/2026: 14:37:28
quote:
I love the Framus, artsy meets industrial, style.
That one's an archtop; probably low crown.
The one I had in 1973 (not this one) was made in Bubenreuth, north of Erlangen that, in itself, is north of Nürnberg, so in Bavaria, region Frankenland. Framus: Fränkische Musikinstrumentenerzeugung ("Franconian Musical Instruments Fabrication")
The head looks original to me and likely a high crown (the tensionhoop is level with the outside of the tone ring).
My first banjo (short neck) had the same set up.
Bart Veerman - Posted - 01/26/2026: 22:24:46
Emiel: thanks for your correction, Bruno: thanks/bedankt for the name info
About the head size: 11 inch and, unlike many archtops, they need a medium crown.
BUT: size- wise them Framuses are finnicky! That, plus the fact that some 11 inch heads are only 11-ish heads. You might consider an 11 1/16 inch head, Bob Smakula (see his link above) can hook you up with one of those.
You still haven't told us what needs fixing...
BoneDigger - Posted - 01/26/2026: 22:45:02
Honestly, aside from it looking a bit worn, it's missing a bridge and probably needs a new head. The frets look serviceable but may eventually need refretting. I think the neck is straight on it.
Edited by - BoneDigger on 01/26/2026 22:45:25
Bart Veerman - Posted - 01/27/2026: 06:38:08
quote:
Originally posted by BoneDigger
probably needs a new head
If it's dirty go over it with a spoon & detergent (Mr. Clean etc.)
To check function: go all the way around the head at the inner side of the inner archtop ring side and apply 15~20 pounds of pressure with your thumb. If it feels firm/solid all around you're all good. If one, or more, area feels flubby/soft then the head's glue has let go and is "broken." Whether it needs replacing or not depends on what your ears think about the way it sounds: if you like the sounds as-is then "what me worry" and start enjoying that banjo already.
Mudrock - Posted - 01/29/2026: 09:26:28
Framus made quality instruments. I sold my Framus "Gaucho" guitar in a panic - to buy a National steel body.
I regret selling it, but I couldn't afford to have both. My 4 string banjo is an older Asian cheapy - with aluminum pot.
It has been satisfactory. I did not even know Framus made Banjo's - but I'd go for an affordable one.
Good Luck, C .
wileypickett - Posted - 01/29/2026: 19:38:58
Framus tone rings aren't much to write home about -- basically just a thin metal band (kind of like a hose clamp, without the holes) welded into a circle and inset into the wooden rim.
An easy improvement to make: Measure the diameter of the metal band (I forget off the top of my head what it is) and get a rolled brass rod style tone ring the same size.
The rod will fit perfectly snug and tight around the tone ring, which will hold the rod in place.
Since the original metal band will sit maybe 1/4" taller than the rolled brass ring, I sanded the band down on my spindle sander so that rolled brass rod sits just proud of the band. That was the only modification I made.
Put on whatever style head you prefer (I used a Renaissance head), cinch everything down, set it up, and voila!, you have a respectable sounding banjo -- better (IMO) than the sound provided by the original metal band.
BTW -- Framus's high-end Derroll Adams model banjo came with a much more substantial tone ring. These are quite decent banjos IMO -- more American-style in design. (They were made to Adams' specs; he was an American player who spent most of his career in Europe.)
Banjo players are inveterate tinkerers!
Glenn
banjohangout.org/forum/attachm...ID=317593
Edited by - wileypickett on 01/29/2026 19:40:08
BoneDigger - Posted - 01/30/2026: 17:51:11
Thanks to everyone for the great replies! So, I went by today and talked him down to $275, which I know isn't a GREAT price, but it's better than nothing. I decided to put it on layaway for now and pick it up in a month or so.
I brought some different height bridges with me and found one that works. Even with older strings, it sounded pretty descent. I would probably upgrade the tuners to standard banjo style tuners. The head is quite dirty but functional. I could try to clean it first before replacing it.
Overall, it's a pretty good sounding banjo! I mean it's not perfect, but it's old and has some character to it. It also comes with what I assume to be the original case. I'm looking forward to seeing where it takes me.
STUD figmo Al - Posted - 01/31/2026: 15:00:07
Hey Bud...
Find a bridge n put it on it to play it before buying..
Then you will know more real info... :0)
BoneDigger - Posted - 01/31/2026: 15:01:55
As per my above post, I did and was impressed enough to go ahead and get it.
wileypickett - Posted - 01/31/2026: 20:34:13
BoneDigger,
If yours matches RB-1's Framus, in the pics above, you may have the more substantial Derroll Adams-style tone ring, rather than the thin metal band I referred to in my post above. I wasn't aware Framus used this tone ring on any but their Derroll Adams models. It appears that's what's on RB-!'s anyway.
Post some pics!
Edited by - wileypickett on 01/31/2026 20:35:32
BoneDigger - Posted - 01/31/2026: 20:38:09
I don't believe it is the heavier tone ring model. This is the less expensive version.
RB-1 - Posted - 02/01/2026: 03:16:35
quote:
Originally posted by wileypickett
BoneDigger,
If yours matches RB-1's Framus, in the pics above, you may have the more substantial Derroll Adams-style tone ring, rather than the thin metal band I referred to in my post above. I wasn't aware Framus used this tone ring on any but their Derroll Adams models. It appears that's what's on RB-!'s anyway.
Post some pics!
I'd like to comment on this 'Derroll Adams-style' tone ring, setting some straight:
When I got my 13100 Solist 5 string (sep. 1973), the leaflet I got with it showed just the Solist, Texan and Old Time Gold styles.
A few years later, updated leaflets showed the Derrol Adams and Nashville series for the first time too.
Conclusion: the heavy archtop ring wasn't introduced with the DA series but few years earlier.
The thin non-tonering must have been the first attempt at making a banjo.
When looking at the Framus banjos I can't help thinking that they only had pictures of banjos to work from and never had a real one (like a Gibson Mastertone) in their hands.
Therefore my respect to them for coming up with instruments that sounded way better than some of the crap nowadays found in the budget/ beginner categories.
Let's face it, the looks were horrible and the (extremely narrow) necks were on the verge of unplayable, but I'm grateful it took my through my initial stages until I got my Masterclone Iida 233
Here's a similar one like my 13100 (apart from the replaced guitar style tuners): banjohangout.org/archive/337099 (thumbnails don't work, but picture links still do}
Because of the clear head ( a 11" 5 star ) the inner life is clearly 
visible.
wileypickett - Posted - 02/01/2026: 03:26:31
Thanks RB-1!
RE: "I can't help thinking that they only had pictures of banjos to work from and never had a real one (like a Gibson Mastertone) in their hands."
I love it!
That may be why the DA model was more American in its design -- an American player was advising them?
G
RB-1 - Posted - 02/01/2026: 03:38:25
quote:
Originally posted by wileypickett
Thanks RB-1!
RE: "I can't help thinking that they only had pictures of banjos to work from and never had a real one (like a Gibson Mastertone) in their hands."
I love it!
That may be why the DA model was more American in its design -- an American player was advising them?
G
We couldn't agree more, could we? 
Here's something about the crown height.
The (top)tension hoop is a very solid affair (probably contibuting to the surprizingly good sound).
I just measured it at ~13 millimeter, that would be more or less 1/2 " to you.
When adding the height difference with the tone ring's inner edge, I tend to believe that a standard high crown head should fit.
BoneDigger - Posted - 04/26/2026: 00:55:52
Here's an update:
I took the banjo completely apart and replaced the head (11 1/16th head) and the tuners. I cleaned it up nicely too. It came equiped with a tailpiece that required ball end strings, so I replaced that with one that takes loops. This resulted in needing to buy special long neck strings (gold tone) because normal strings are too short. I added an arm rest, which wasn't easy due to how the banjo is constructed, but I had something that would work.
Now I have a quite nice and good sounding long neck with some degree of uniqueness about it. For anyone considering buying one of these, I'm quite happy with it!
