Framus Billy Lorento 5/120 Red Burst – 1950s
 

 
Rare 1950s Framus Billy Lorento 5/120 made in Germany. This model is particularly interesting for its association with Billy Lorento, the name used at the time by Willi Lorenz Stich, who would later become Bill Lawrence, one of the industry's most recognized pickup designers.
 

 
This guitar retains its two original Lorento-designed pickups and its pickguard-mounted electronics. The tone controls have a very subtle effect. Since the electronics assembly is completely sealed, we elected not to open it in order to preserve its integrity.
 

 
Key Features:
 
- Made in Germany in the 1950s
 
- Red Burst finish
 
- Single-cutaway hollowbody construction
 
- Spruce top
 
- Maple back and sides
 
- Maple neck
 
- Rosewood fingerboard
 
- Two original Billy Lorento (Bill Lawrence) designed pickups
 
- Two volume and two tone controls
 
- Adjustable floating bridge
 
- Original “Billy Lorento” engraved tailpiece
 
- Replacement tuners
 
- Original small-format output connector professionally modified to accept a standard 1/4" plug
 
- Frets polished
 
- Complete setup performed by Montréal Guitar
 
- Good vintage condition with play wear, marks and scratches consistent with its age
 

 
An unusual Framus from the early years of Bill Lawrence's career and an interesting example of European electric guitar development during the 1950s.