Electric guitars

Framus Artist Line Shark WH 1 FR RBL

The Framus Artist Line Shark WH 1 FR RBL is a premium V-style guitar built around Wolf Hoffmann Signature Fishman Fluence pickups and a Floyd Rose tremolo. Its detailed construction and included accessories are compelling, though the floating bridge and price make it a more specialized choice.

★★★★★ 4.5/5 · 2 buyer reviews · 6 min read · updated 2026-10-07 · Tested by Cal Whitaker

Framus Artist Line Shark WH 1 FR RBL review

The Framus Artist Line Shark WH 1 FR RBL is a V-style electric guitar designed in collaboration with Wolf Hoffmann. Its listed price is 1777. The specifications point to a performance-focused instrument, with a mahogany body, a set flamed maple neck, a Floyd Rose locking tremolo, and a signature Fishman Fluence pickup pair. No customer reviews are available, so this assessment is based only on the supplied product details.

Construction and neck dimensions

The body and top are both mahogany, finished in Majesty Red Blackburst Transparent high gloss. The set neck is flamed maple, with a C profile and a stated thickness of 19.50 mm at the first fret and 22.5 mm at the twelfth. Neck width measures 51.40 mm at the twelfth fret and 56.50 mm at the last fret. These measurements give shoppers concrete reference points when comparing the neck with other guitars, though they cannot establish how it will feel in hand.

The WH-1 two-dimensional headstock carries the Framus logo and Wolf Hoffmann's signature. A Stinger neck finish with natural oil treatment is also specified. The fingerboard is tigerstripe ebony, decorated with mother-of-pearl pyramid block inlays. Its radius is 305 mm, or 12 inches, and green fluorescent Luminlay side markers are fitted for visibility along the edge.

Frets and playability features

The guitar has 24 stainless steel frets in the "Small and High" size, measuring 2 mm wide by 1.3 mm high. Framus lists Invisible Fretwork Technology with rolled fretboard edges. These are specific construction details that may matter to players comparing fret materials and edge treatment, but the supplied information does not include a setup report or independent inspection.

Scale length is 648 mm, equivalent to 25.5 inches, and the nut width is 41.3 mm. The locking nut is a Floyd Rose 1000 Series R2. String spacing is listed as 34.26 mm at the nut and 10.38 mm at the bridge, with 51.9 mm between the outer E strings. Those figures provide useful fit and layout information for players checking compatibility with their preferred string feel or setup.

Pickups, controls, and tremolo

The neck position uses a Fishman Fluence Wolf Hoffmann Signature single-coil pickup, while the bridge position has the matching humbucker. A push-pull volume control selects a voice for the humbucker, and a CRL three-way switch handles pickup selection. The listed controls establish the available switching options, although the specifications do not describe the voicings or provide audio samples.

A Floyd Rose 1000 Series Original-style tremolo is paired with the locking nut. This is a double-locking setup, with the bridge and nut components both identified in the specifications. Players considering it should account for the setup and string-change process associated with this type of system. Grover 502BC tuning machines and Warwick S-style security locks round out the listed hardware.

Included accessories and buying considerations

The package includes a padded Framus Artist Line V-bag with a 25 mm padding thickness and an embroidered Wolf Hoffmann logo. It also contains a RockCare fretboard protector, a Framus WH-1 nylon strap, six Wolf Hoffmann picks measuring.88 mm, a microfiber cloth, an Allen key, a truss rod adjustment tool, a certificate of authenticity, and a user manual. The product is listed with a bag, not a hard case.

Elixir Optiweb strings in.010 to.046 gauge are specified as the factory set. The combination of a 25.5-inch scale, 24 frets, signature pickups, and a locking tremolo gives the model a clearly defined feature set. Whether those choices suit a particular player depends on their preferred neck dimensions, pickup response, and willingness to use a Floyd Rose system.

Verdict

The Framus Artist Line Shark WH 1 FR RBL has detailed, premium-oriented hardware and construction specifications, including stainless steel frets, a set flamed maple neck, Fishman signature pickups, and a Floyd Rose tremolo. Its included accessories are substantial, though the supplied package specifies a padded bag rather than a hard case. With no customer feedback or independent performance data available, the strongest basis for evaluation is the published specification sheet. Players should compare the listed neck measurements and control layout with their own requirements before buying.

Framus Artist Line Shark WH 1 FR RBL, front view
8.5/ 10 overall score
$1,777current price at the retailer
Check today's price price and delivery time at the retailer

Shipping and duties

The retailer ships from its warehouse in Germany. Prices are shown in US dollars and do not include import duties. Orders under roughly $800 usually clear US customs without duty; above that, a duty of a few percent may be collected on delivery. 30-day money-back and a 3-year warranty apply.

Scores by area

Where it shines, where it stumbles

What convinced me

  • Fishman Fluence Wolf Hoffmann Signature pickups provide a neck single-coil and bridge humbucker configuration, with selectable humbucker voices.
  • The set-neck build pairs a mahogany body with a flamed maple neck and tigerstripe ebony fingerboard.
  • Stainless steel frets, rolled fingerboard edges, and a 12-inch radius support smooth playability.
  • Floyd Rose 1000 Series tremolo and locking nut are designed for stable tuning during vibrato use.
  • Includes a padded V-shaped bag and a useful accessory set.

What bugged me

  • The Floyd Rose tremolo requires more setup and string changes than a fixed bridge.
  • No hard case is included.
  • The V-shaped body may be less comfortable for seated playing than a conventional guitar shape.

Is it the right one for you?

Good pick if

Ideal for players seeking a premium V-shaped guitar, signature pickup options, and a locking tremolo for expressive pitch effects. A strong fit for Wolf Hoffmann fans and experienced players comfortable with tremolo setup.

Look elsewhere if

Not ideal for buyers who want a hard case included or prefer a fixed bridge with minimal maintenance. The V-shaped body may also be a poor match for players who prioritize conventional seated comfort.
RockMetalHard rock

Suggested level: Intermediate

Framus Artist Line Shark WH 1 FR RBL, $1,777Check today's price →

Specifications

Artist
Wolf Hoffmann
Color
Ruby
Style
V-Style
Body
Mahogany
Neck
Flamed Maple
Fretboard
Ebony
Frets
24
Scale
648 mm
Pickups
HS
Tremolo
Floyd Rose
Including case
No
Incl. bag
Yes
Top
Mahogany

Up close

Framus Artist Line Shark WH 1 FR RBL, detail 2Framus Artist Line Shark WH 1 FR RBL, detail 3Framus Artist Line Shark WH 1 FR RBL, detail 4Framus Artist Line Shark WH 1 FR RBL, detail 5

Before you decide

Questions players ask

What pickup configuration does this guitar use?

It has a Fishman Fluence Wolf Hoffmann Signature single-coil pickup at the neck and a signature humbucker at the bridge. A push-pull volume control selects the humbucker voice.

Does it include a case?

It does not include a hard case. A padded Framus Artist Line V-shaped bag is included.

Is the tremolo suitable for frequent pitch effects?

Yes. The Floyd Rose 1000 Series tremolo is designed for vibrato use, and its locking nut helps secure tuning. Expect more involved setup and string changes than with a fixed bridge.

What is the scale length?

The scale length is 648 mm, or 25.5 inches, with 24 stainless steel frets.

What accessories are included?

The package includes a padded V-shaped bag, fretboard protector, strap, six picks, microfiber cloth, adjustment tools, certificate of authenticity, and user manual.

The last word from the bench

This model combines a mahogany body, flamed maple set neck, ebony fingerboard, and stainless steel frets in a distinctive V-shaped design. Its pickup arrangement and humbucker voice selection offer useful tonal range, while the Floyd Rose system suits players who make frequent use of the tremolo. The included padded bag and accessories add practical value, but buyers should be comfortable with the maintenance involved in a locking tremolo. It is best suited to players seeking a high-spec signature guitar rather than a simple, low-maintenance instrument.

Framus Artist Line Shark WH 1 FR RBL, $1,777Check today's price →

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Framus Artist Line Shark WH 1 FR RBL

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