1969 Framus Texan 5/196 Acoustic Guitar – Sunburst – Made in West Germany
 
Vintage West German dreadnought with classic Framus character, original-style hardware, and a bold 1960s sunburst look
This Framus Texan 5/196 is a late-1960s West German acoustic dreadnought with the distinctive Framus personality that collectors and vintage players look for. Built in Bavaria and carrying its original interior Framus label, this model features a square-shouldered body, sunburst finish, bolt-on neck construction, zero fret, adjustable Framus bridge system, tortoise-style pickguard, and period-correct open-gear tuners. It has the dry, mid-forward vintage character these German-made acoustics are known for, making it a cool piece for recording, collecting, displaying, or restoration-minded players.
This is not a high-end Martin/Gibson-style collectible, but it is a very interesting vintage European acoustic with real 1960s style and strong visual appeal.
 
Condition:
Good vintage condition with honest age-related wear throughout. The guitar shows finish checking, dings, scuffs, edge wear, lacquer wear, oxidation on the hardware, and general cosmetic aging consistent with a late-1960s instrument.
There is a visible side crack on the bass-side lower bout. This is the main condition issue and has been factored into the price. The crack should be reviewed/stabilized if the buyer intends to use the guitar regularly. The back also shows heavy finish checking and vintage lacquer texture, especially under direct light. The headstock has cosmetic wear around the logo, edges, and lower nut/truss area, but the Framus logo and center decal remain visible.
The original-style Framus adjustable bridge system is present, along with the tortoise-style pickguard, open-gear tuners, zero fret, bolt-on neck plate, and interior paper label. The hardware has normal oxidation and aging. No hard case is included.
 
Includes:
1969 Framus Texan 5/196 acoustic guitar with gig bag
Original-style Framus adjustable bridge hardware
Original-style tortoise pickguard with Framus logo imprint
Original-style open-gear tuners
Interior Framus paper label with serial number
Not Included: No hard case, no accessories, no original paperwork.
 
Key Features:
Vintage West German build: Made by Framus-Werke in Bavaria, West Germany.
Texan 5/196 model: Framus’s square-shouldered dreadnought-style acoustic from the late 1960s era.
Sunburst finish: Classic dark-edge tobacco sunburst with strong vintage stage and wall-display appeal.
Bolt-on Framus neck: Period Framus construction with metal neck plate marked “Made in Germany.”
Zero fret design: Common on vintage European guitars and part of the original Framus setup style.
Adjustable Framus bridge: Distinctive original-style bridge with metal hardware and adjustable saddle system.
Tortoise-style pickguard: Large period-correct pickguard with subtle Framus logo imprint.
Original interior label: Paper label remains inside the soundhole with model and serial number visible.
Vintage recording character: Best suited for players or collectors looking for a dry, characterful 1960s European acoustic sound.
 
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What model is this?
A: This is a Framus Texan 5/196 acoustic guitar, made in West Germany.
Q: What year is it?
A: The label and serial/date markings are consistent with a 1969 Framus production.
Q: Is there any damage?
A: Yes. There is a visible side crack on the bass-side lower bout, along with normal vintage wear, checking, scratches, and cosmetic aging.
Q: Does it include a case?
A: No. This listing is for the guitar only.
Q: Is this related to the Epiphone Texan?
A: No. This is a German-made Framus Texan, separate from the American-made Epiphone Texan, but it shares a similar 1960s square-shouldered folk/country visual style.
Q: Who is this best for?
A: Best for vintage acoustic collectors, Framus enthusiasts, recording players, or someone comfortable with older instruments that may benefit from setup or stabilization work.