Jack White's Framus 5/59 Sorella Archtop Redburst Electric Hollow Body Guitar
Item Details
Notes from Third Man Records Archivist Ben Blackwell:
Purchased by Jack White in Auckland, New Zealand on the White Stripes first ever overseas tour in November 2000. Jack had his eyes on the guitar, but with the asking price of eight-hundred New Zealand dollars, he left the store without pulling the trigger. John Baker, promoter of the tour (and soon-to-become long-time White Stripes tour manager) said “The New Zealand dollar is really weak right now. You should go and offer him $600 for that guitar.” With nothing to lose, Jack did just that and walked out the happy owner of this beautiful, redburst Framus Sorella model guitar with removable pickguard outfitted with pickups for electrification. Primarily serving as a backup (seldom used) during live shows, the guitar is most recognized for its use and appearance in the music video for “We’re Going To Be Friends.” Additionally, it is featured prominently in the 2001 White Blood Cells-era promo photo depicting Meg and Jack surrounded by a bevy of their red and white instruments. One time, roundabout March 2001 or thereabouts, at the end of a short string of shows I was helping the band load their equipment back into the house / headquarters at 1203 Ferdinand. For some long-forgotten reason, this guitar NEVER had a case. It was always just loose and unprotected. Anyways, carrying the thing with my left hand wrapped around the neck, close to the headstock, I manage to catch the neck joint of this Framus right on the door jamb. Put a decent crack into the thing. I’d goofed, big time. Jack looked at me and said “well, guess who’s not getting paid for this weekend?” Said crack in neck joint has since been repaired and while Jack’s resident guitar tech Dan Mancini has described the current state of the guitar as “rough shape but mostly working” it is worth stressing here…no other stage-used White Stripes guitar has ever been made available for sale. There’s a decent chance that none more ever will. Do NOT miss what might be your only opportunity ever to get your hands on a true piece of history from this iconic rock and roll band.
| Type | Electric |
| Brand | Framus |
| Instrument Materials | Wood, Composite |
| Case Materials | Fabric |
| Period | Vintage, 1960s |
| Additional Information | Comes with a signed COA from Third Man archivist Ben Blackwell, which will be mailed directly to the winning bidder after the auction. |
Condition
- wear to the frame with scuffs, nicks and scratches.
Dimensions
- measures guitar
Item #
ITMGJ96556
