Framus - - Electric bass guitar - Germany

Framus Strato 4 Vintage Electric Bass – professionally refurbished, technically inspected, and fully functional
For sale is a Framus Strato 4 Vintage electric bass in white finish.
The bass has been professionally refurbished and technically checked prior to sale. The electronics were opened, inspected, and tested. Pickup, knobs, and switches were checked for proper function.
The instrument is in flawless working order and ready to play.
Equipment
4-string Vintage electric bass
Framus Strato 4
white lacquered body
matching pickguard
Maple neck with maple fretboard
two pickups
three controls
chromed bridge
open tuners
Framus logo on the headstock
marked “Made in West Germany”
Technical condition
Before sale the bass was professionally refurbished and comprehensively inspected.
During the inspection, among others:
the electronics were opened, checked, and tested
the pickups were tested for function
the controls were checked
the switches were inspected
the mechanical components were checked
overall playability was assessed
The bass is fully functional and can be played directly.
Finish and visual condition
The body is white coated. Based on current impression, it is probably not the original factory finish. An earlier repaint or cosmetic refurbishment cannot be ruled out.
The existing condition has been deliberately preserved. A complete cosmetic restoration was avoided to retain the instrument’s grown vintage character.
The bass shows age- and playing-related signs of use, including scratches, lacquer wear, minor paint loss, patina on metal parts, and other age-appropriate traces.
These features were not overcoated or artificially concealed. They are clearly visible in the photos and part of the offered condition.
This is not a new or fully restored instrument, but a technically reliable vintage bass with authentic signs of use.
Year of manufacture
The exact year of manufacture cannot be determined unambiguously from the available markings.
The marking “Made in West Germany” confirms production in the former Federal Republic of Germany, but does not provide a precise dating.
The instrument probably originates from the early 1970s. This classification is cautious and not meant to imply an exact year.
Photo note
The gallery includes both current photos of the professionally refurbished instrument and some prior photos showing the state before technical inspection and refinishing.
The prior photos serve to transparently document the work performed. The sale is based on the current condition shown in the newer photos.
My sales philosophy
Online buyers often find it difficult to judge from photos alone whether an instrument is actually playable, technically reliable, or free of issues. Images can show a lot, but not everything.
My goal is to offer instruments as honestly, transparently, and to the best of my knowledge and ability. Known defects, alterations, or limitations should not be concealed.
My guiding principle is:
"As precise as necessary – not as precise as possible."
Not every historic instrument must or should be fully restored. Technical checks, care, and professional refurbishment make sense, while an authentically aged condition is often worth preserving.
Pricing
The price may be slightly higher than for untested or unrefurbished instruments. This reflects the professional work already invested.
Anyone who has contributed knowledge, experience, time, and craftsmanship to this instrument should receive fair recognition. Technical inspection, refurbishment, maintenance, and an honest condition assessment have real value.
Therefore the buyer not only acquires the bass, but also benefits from the performed work, technical safety, and a transparent description of the actual condition.
With great pleasure I offer this instrument at auction under this sales philosophy. My goal is to build long-term trust and pass instruments to their next owner with honesty, responsibility, and respect.
Delivery and shipping
The bass pictured in the photos is the sole item for sale.
The instrument stand is not included.
The photos show the actual instrument offered and are part of the description.
Sale is made to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Careful packaging and insured shipping.