Framus Devin Townsend Stormbender Bl

Framus Devin Townsend Stormbender Bl review

The Framus Devin Townsend Stormbender Bl is a German-made signature guitar with premium materials and a distinctive specification. Its mahogany body, set-in maple neck, ebony fingerboard, and laminated flamed maple top give it a substantial, traditional wood-and-hardware foundation. The black finish keeps the appearance restrained, while the artist-specific fingerboard inlays make the signature identity clear.

The listed price is 4,444. That is a serious outlay, and a buyer should expect more than a recognizable artist name. In this case, the reported build quality and materials offer a strong part of the justification. One owner, who bought the guitar before its price increased, says the current cost is still competitive with similarly priced instruments from other brands. That is a personal assessment, but it reflects the central tradeoff: this is an expensive, carefully appointed instrument, not a budget signature model.

Materials, finish, and playing feel

The body is mahogany, topped with flamed maple. The owner specifically notes that the maple is a real top rather than a decorative veneer. The fingerboard is ebony, and the same review describes its individual piece as especially attractive. The color is Nirvana Black Transparent Satin, with solid black satin finish on the sides and back. Black hardware completes the look without adding visual contrast.

The neck is maple and set into the body. Its 648 mm (25.51-inch) scale is paired with a 305 mm (12-inch) fingerboard radius, a 43 mm (1.69-inch) nut width, and 22 X-jumbo frets. Circle inlays mark the ebony fingerboard. A GraphTech Black Tusq low-friction nut and GraphTech Ratio locking tuners round out the tuning hardware. The supplied strings are Cleartone.010 to.046.

Weight deserves serious consideration before buying. One owner reports a weight of 4.3 kg and describes the guitar as very heavy. The instrument's design deliberately draws on a Les Paul-like combination of woods, mass, and set-in neck construction, while its shaped heel makes the neck joint less visually prominent. That comparison is useful for setting expectations, but the Stormbender has its own ST-style outline and signature details. If low weight is a priority, try one on a strap before committing.

Pickups and controls

Two Fishman Fluence Devin Townsend Signature humbuckers provide the amplified voice. The owner praises their versatility, attributing it to the different pickup voicings. The guitar has a master volume control, a tone control with a push-pull function, and a three-way pickup selector. The available specifications do not detail the exact voicing options, so buyers looking for a particular wiring configuration should confirm that directly rather than assume a specific combination.

The owner replaced the volume control with another push-pull control to add coil splitting. That was a personal modification, not a factory feature listed for this model. It does, however, indicate that some players may want additional switching options beyond the stock arrangement. The supplied electronics already provide multiple voices, but anyone who needs coil splitting should verify the stock wiring before purchase.

Evertune bridge and practical details

An Evertune bridge is fitted, and there is no tremolo system. The reviewer says they could personally do without the Evertune, but found it acceptable after getting used to it. That is an important hands-on caveat: the bridge is a defining part of the specification, yet it may not suit every player's preferences or familiar setup habits. Give it time in a store if possible, especially if you have not used this bridge type before.

The guitar includes a gig bag, but not a hard case. It has been available since January 2021, and its item number is 512529. The listed sales unit is one piece. These details matter when comparing listings, particularly because the included bag and the substantial instrument weight affect how you plan to transport and store it.

Verdict

The Framus Devin Townsend Stormbender Bl makes its case through its materials, construction, signature Fishman humbuckers, and Evertune bridge. Its flamed maple top, ebony fingerboard, locking tuners, and German manufacture suit its high price, while the owner report points to strong finishing and a versatile amplified sound. The main reservations are equally concrete: it is heavy, the Evertune may take adjustment, and the included protection is a gig bag rather than a hard case.

For players drawn to Devin Townsend's signature design who want a set-in maple neck, dual humbuckers, and an Evertune-equipped guitar, the specification is compelling. The price is easier to defend if those details match your needs and you value the reported build quality. Check the weight and bridge feel in person, and confirm the control configuration you want before buying.