Framus Artist Line Breaker FR LH NB

Framus Artist Line Breaker FR LH NB review

The Framus Artist Line Breaker FR LH NB is a left-handed, six-string V-style guitar built around Wolf Hoffmann's signature specifications. Its combination of a neck-position single-coil pickup and a bridge humbucker gives it a broader range than a typical high-output metal guitar, while the 24 stainless steel frets and 25.5-inch scale point toward familiar modern playing feel. At $1,422, it sits in a price bracket where clean workmanship and a dependable setup matter as much as the feature list.

After a long wait for this replacement model, the reviewer found that the guitar stood out among the available left-handed options. The finish and overall presentation came across as elegant rather than aggressively styled. The transparent Nirvana Black finish lets the figured maple veneer show through, lending the V shape a refined look. Players who want a more overtly aggressive appearance may find it restrained, but the design is coherent and distinctive.

Construction, finish and playability

The body is poplar with a flamed maple veneer, and the set neck is maple. A black composite fingerboard carries acrylic pyramid block inlays and green-fluorescent Luminlay side dots. Framus specifies a C-shaped neck profile, measuring 19.5 mm at the first fret and 22.5 mm at the twelfth. The 305 mm fingerboard radius and 41.3 mm nut width provide useful reference points for players comparing neck dimensions.

The reviewer reported immaculate construction, a clean finish and no unwanted scraping or buzzing. The guitar arrived set up and in tune, a welcome detail that made it ready to play straight out of the box. The neck felt comfortable, and the instrument remained stable in tuning during the review period. Invisible Fretwork Technology gives the fret ends rolled edges, and the 24 small, tall stainless steel frets measure 2.0 by 1.3 mm.

On a strap, the guitar was described as a manageable weight and sat comfortably against the body. The V shape naturally favors standing performance. Sitting down presents a practical snag: the output jack is positioned on the inside of the V and is not recessed. A right-angle cable plug can help, but players who regularly practice seated should account for that placement.

Pickups and controls

The pickup system pairs a Fishman Fluence Wolf Hoffmann Signature single-coil in the neck position with a matching humbucker at the bridge. A three-way switch selects between them, while a push-pull volume control changes the humbucker's voice. The reviewer found the active pickups forceful but comparatively restrained next to some other active designs. They still handled thrash metal riffs without trouble, though players seeking the output of certain EMG pickups may find the response less intense.

The neck-position single-coil adds a useful contrast to the bridge humbucker and expands the guitar's range beyond a single heavy sound. There is only one control knob, however, so tone shaping is limited on the instrument itself. The supplied specifications list a tremolo, while the hardware details identify a TonePros Tune-O-Matic bridge. Buyers should confirm the exact bridge and tremolo configuration with the retailer before ordering, especially if that hardware detail is central to their decision.

Hardware and included accessories

Hardware includes Grover 102BC tuning machines, Warwick S-style security locks and a Graph Tech Black TUSQ XL nut. The guitar ships with.010,.046 Elixir Optiweb strings. One point to consider is battery access: the battery does not have a separate compartment, so replacement requires removing screws and a cover. The tremolo springs on the back are also left exposed.

The package is unusually substantial. Along with a padded Framus Artist Line V-style bag carrying Wolf Hoffmann embroidery, it includes a strap, six signature picks, a microfiber cloth, a fingerboard protector, an Allen key, a truss rod adjustment tool, an instruction manual and a certificate of authenticity. The reviewer specifically praised the useful accessories and bag as part of the overall delivery.

Verdict

The Framus Artist Line Breaker FR LH NB makes a strong case for left-handed players looking for a well-finished V-style guitar with a signature identity and more than one useful pickup voice. Its comfortable neck, reliable setup and polished construction drew favorable field feedback. The single volume control, awkward seated cable position and screw-secured battery cover are clear compromises, not hidden surprises. At this price, its appeal rests on the combination of left-handed availability, refined looks, signature details and a generous included package. Players who want a more aggressive appearance or especially high-output active pickups should compare alternatives; those priorities aside, this Framus impressed its owner.