Members Fade2Grey Posted May 25, 2007 Author Members Share Posted May 25, 2007 Anyone ever seen one of these before? When I first got I took it to my local guitar place, Lightning Joe's Guiar Heaven, and Joe was just putting away a limted edition (1 of a 1000) Les Paul Custom that he had just finished working on. He plugged in my new, old Hamer and played it for 10 minutes or so. When he stopped he looked over at me and said, "This has better tone and waaaay more sustain than that Les Paul I just put away." I'll post the pix linx tonight! I'd attribute the sustain to the Sustain Block bridge that usually comes with 80's Specials... And of course, I can't say i'm surprised to hear that the Hamer came out tops compared to Gibbies... Do you have the serial number of the thing? You could actually email Hamer with the serial number and sometimes they actually still have record that guitar!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members CliffNotes Posted May 28, 2007 Members Share Posted May 28, 2007 Hey Hamer Heads, ever seen one like this? Me either, til I bought. Owner of one of the most amazing guitar stores in California told me it blows away most Les Pauls in tone and sustain. Whatever. I love it. Plays like buttah! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members dimmypage Posted May 28, 2007 Members Share Posted May 28, 2007 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Fade2Grey Posted May 28, 2007 Author Members Share Posted May 28, 2007 Hey Hamer Heads, ever seen one like this? Me either, til I bought. Owner of one of the most amazing guitar stores in California told me it blows away most Les Pauls in tone and sustain. Whatever. I love it. Plays like buttah!I'm not a big fan of gold hardware but any Hamer is a good Hamer...Also, i think this is the first time i've even heard of a Gold sustain block! Cool... All this talk of specials just increases my GAS further..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members GarysBlues Posted May 28, 2007 Members Share Posted May 28, 2007 I'm a HAMER Buff and have been playing them since 97 when they moved to my home state of CT. My FIRST was a Artist Custom in Honey which i will show photo's of later. Then came a Studio 95. Then a Newport-Pro. Then a T-62 93 that was the third one built and FIRST in Sunburst. BUT............THIS is the one that has been illusive. I almost bought a Brand new 96 in the beginning of 97 for $1599. in Transparent BLUE. Instead I bought the ARTIST CUSTOM. I have looked for another for 10 YEARS in BLUE and have seen ONE! That was on the Hamer Forum and NOT for SALE. This one here? You will NEVER EVER see another one like this ONE either! This is a SERIOUSLY TRICKED OUT MIRAGE II. The pick-ups are Custom Built by the Man himself Mr. DiMarzio. Take a look at this PORN. I was looking for a PRS and came across my Dream Guitar. And I'll tell you why. I have sine 97 increased my playing skills with a Trem, 10-fold. Back then I really didn't need a Trem. But NOW.....with me its really a needed option on the electric I ACTUALLY PLAY. Another issue is a 25-1/2 scale? I just prefer the Fender scale and LOVE its Tone with Humbuckers especially on a 22fret electric. This MIRAGE meets ALL these requirments. They no longer build the MIRAGE nor do they build the T-62 or T-51. BTW guys a Rosewood fretboard T-51 is another Hamer I have been looking for that I foolishly missed years ago. {having a little problem with PHOTOBUCKET} I'll get back to you guys SOON! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members CliffNotes Posted May 28, 2007 Members Share Posted May 28, 2007 Yeah, I can't remember if I ever tried emailing the serial# to Hamer. Good one. And, yes, Lightnin' Joe owner of Lightnin' Joe's Guitar Heaven (he's not kidding with the name... it is Disneyland for guitar geeks), routinely informs anyone who's interested that a new Hamer Special at $999 list will beat the pants off any $2500 PRS. 1976 Black on black Strat, maple neck 1998 Steve Warner Limited Edition Takamine #199 1974 Guild D-50, rosewood with black face Black and white Schecter 12 string electric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members GarysBlues Posted May 28, 2007 Members Share Posted May 28, 2007 The sustain blocks are killer on the older Hamers. I don't know why they ever stopped building them and switched to Stop-Tails and Tune-O-Matics? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Fade2Grey Posted May 29, 2007 Author Members Share Posted May 29, 2007 ... ... Someone stop my beating heart!! That's the exact on I saw on evil-bay a couple of weeks ago.... WOW!!! Just Beautiful!! I've gotta ask, is that a Koa top or "just" an immensely flamed maple top? :love: SOUND CLIPS!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Axeslinger Posted June 16, 2007 Members Share Posted June 16, 2007 Just scored this one todayChapparralI am extremely impressed with this instrument:thu: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Fade2Grey Posted June 16, 2007 Author Members Share Posted June 16, 2007 Just scored this one today Chapparral ... I am extremely impressed with this instrument:thu: And I just missed out on a Chapparral yesterday.. it's a blue sparkle finish that went for $360 on the bay! why? because my credit card has reached its limit... Damned car repairs!Anwyay, Congrats!! looks fine... there's something about these superstrats that just turn me on...how's the guit feeling? How much did you score it for? is the finish satin? Is the floyd a schaller or something else? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members HowlinFox Posted June 16, 2007 Members Share Posted June 16, 2007 Okay, you've got my attention...These are awesome looking guitars! I'm currently looking for a dual humbucker type guitar and want to find a brand/model that offers a quality build and finish. I've always wanted a Gibson LP (or possibly an SG) but have been disappointed by all the negative reviews regarding QC issues. Therefore, I recently started looking at some used 90's era Gibsons on ebay...Best selection around, but the whole buy it before I can try it thing scares me! Anyway, I've also considered a PRS (too much money for me) or a custom Carvin built to my specs (mixed reviews on these)...So, what do I need to know about Hamer? Again, I'm looking for a "Player" like the Gibson/PRS, dual humbucker setup...I'd prefer made in USA, locking tuners, mahogany body (does not need a maple top), rosewood or ebony finger board, etc....Take me to school! Are there certain models/production years that provide better quality...Or, are the newer ones just as solid? Please advise...I really have no idea what to expect with the Hamer brand! FWIW, I'm also looking for affordability...THANKS! Check out the Hamer site for more on their build quality. I think you'll be impressed.Beautiful usa's guys. Hamers are the best built IMO. Solid and musical. Top quality all the way around. Hand made with care. Just incredible, and what great deals you can get on them cuz they're overlooked. Take advantage now before everyone catches on.Anyway, I'm in. Here's mine, got off ebay, hardly played in ex condition, 01' usa STUMI really want an SS model, came across one that sat in some guy's closet for 20 years, won it in a contest and never played, but headstock was broken off. I almost jumped but didn't. Beautiful color too, sparkly salmon pinkish. Kicking myself now, but didn't have the $ to get it fixed on top of the 450 he wanted for it plus the $50 for shipping. Got this instead. I love it, it's totally awesome but I would trade it for a SS model if I had the chance I think, only cuz he's the reason I started playing and I've always wanted one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members HowlinFox Posted June 16, 2007 Members Share Posted June 16, 2007 The only thing I forgot to mention is that I wish they made the SS in a hardtail cuz I'm not a big FloydRose guy, but regardless, I still want one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Bastige Posted June 25, 2007 Members Share Posted June 25, 2007 Hello all,Im brand new to the site. I accidently stumbled over this thread looking for info on my Californian but discovered all these great Hamers. Im looking to restore an early 60s Guild Thunderbird if anyone is interested on helping PM me since I know very little on restoring guitars.Heres mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Fade2Grey Posted June 25, 2007 Author Members Share Posted June 25, 2007 Hello all, Im brand new to the site. I accidently stumbled over this thread looking for info on my Californian but discovered all these great Hamers. Im looking to restore an early 60s Guild Thunderbird if anyone is interested on helping PM me since I know very little on restoring guitars. Heres mine. Perfect thread to put your very first post Nice Cali.... Though I don't usually like inlays... i love the boomerangs on the Calis... Is yours a Korean or a US cali? How's the floyd holding up? I've had to replace the floyd on my Centaura once because the intonation screw holes base plate was stripping out... Anyway.... What sorta info are you looking for on the Cali? I believe peavey_impact can help... he loves his Cali.... Hey PV_i, are you around?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Bastige Posted June 25, 2007 Members Share Posted June 25, 2007 Just curious when it was built. It says Korean on the back of the neck but it doesnt hurt the great sound coming from it. I have yet to have any problems with it. Only serial number I have is on the neck and is 1701802 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members GarysBlues Posted June 25, 2007 Members Share Posted June 25, 2007 For those who asked................its a KOA Top not Maple. But its the nicest KOA top I ever seen. Talk about 3-D!!!! And I just LOVE its TONE. I never, ever cared about the TONE of Mahogany with Maple Tops. I always though the HIGHS were/are to excentuated [with a Maple Top]. Don't confuse Tone with Beauty. THEY ARE VERY PRETTY............BUT ......SO IS a KOA TOP. And the TONE?? Is to DIE for. I wish I jumped on a KOA TOP years ago. Thats how much I dig the TONE of the KOA/Mahogany combo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members peavey_impact Posted June 25, 2007 Members Share Posted June 25, 2007 Anyway.... What sorta info are you looking for on the Cali? I believe peavey_impact can help... he loves his Cali.... Hey PV_i, are you around?? Hey man....yes that is a Korean Californian Elite. As far as I know the bodies are made of solid maple and came in only two colors - black and aztec gold. I can't tell you exactly when it was made but I would guess anywhere between 1996-2003. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Bastige Posted June 25, 2007 Members Share Posted June 25, 2007 Thanks for the reply. I paid close to $400 for this guitar and its mainly what I practice on. I actually wanted a guitar to practce with and when I connected it at the music store it had a really edgy sound. Its really my first real guitar as I am a long time drummer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Brett Valentine Posted June 26, 2007 Members Share Posted June 26, 2007 Count me in. . .Hamer SATQ (Chinese import)Duncan Jazz(n)/Pearly Gates(b). Everything else changed out (all hardware) and rewired. Real sweet.Brett Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Fade2Grey Posted June 27, 2007 Author Members Share Posted June 27, 2007 Count me in. . . Hamer SATQ (Chinese import) Duncan Jazz(n)/Pearly Gates(b). Everything else changed out (all hardware) and rewired. Real sweet. ... Brett Talk about BLING! Nice one though.... I've always wondered about Hamer's China guitars. How the construction quality? How does it compare to some of the other guitars you have or that you have played? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Brett Valentine Posted June 28, 2007 Members Share Posted June 28, 2007 Talk about BLING! Nice one though.... I've always wondered about Hamer's China guitars. How the construction quality? How does it compare to some of the other guitars you have or that you have played? It's on the light side, but feels very solid (not shure if the neck joint comes up to the USA model's build standards). One fret filed down too far, but the fret dress was under waranty. The body wood is mahogany (not shure how many pieces). The frets felt a little "gritty," and could have used a bit of finish buffing, but playng is waring them smoother. Those were the larger issues. On the whole, not bad at all. The pickups had to go, though they did get a useable tone in the store (very similar sound to the Squire Esprit which had the same set of Duncan Designed-59-ish/JB-ish). The wiring, while neat, seemed to be wired in an "un-ergonomic" way with what seemed like a lot of extra wiring connections for ground. Hard to describe but it looked unusual.The rest was changed by personal choice, though everything worked.The tailpiece and bridge were a little light and the Tune-o-matic screw hold down wire was very flimsy. Replaced bridge and tailpiece with the Tone Pros System II. Had to have the bridge machined to fit original thumb screws (Tone Pros screws didn't fit the original import screw slugs). Mini pots (not CTS quality?), the toggle had a pretty short throw but was solid-(I replaced it with a SwitchCraft anyway for peace of mind). The tuners felt pretty solid, but were pretty low ratio so I replaced them with Sperzel locking tuners (Schallar locking would have fit w/o having to drill the lug holes for the Sperzels). Very similar to my Chinese made Brian Moore i21 which is heavier and feels just a bit more substantial. Not on the same level with my late 60's ES-335, and the my Carvins are s bit more substantial, but still, it feels solid. I'll need to compare it with a Hamer USA Studio Custom to really tell the difference.Brett Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members derivicus Posted July 4, 2007 Members Share Posted July 4, 2007 Well, put me on the list! I just stole this one for $1550 after several years of waiting to spring for the right one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Fade2Grey Posted July 4, 2007 Author Members Share Posted July 4, 2007 That is just BEAUTIFUL! :eek::thu:Review! beautiful except for the operating theater light ingrained on it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Fade2Grey Posted July 4, 2007 Author Members Share Posted July 4, 2007 It's on the light side, but feels very solid (not shure if the neck joint comes up to the USA model's build standards). One fret filed down too far, but the fret dress was under waranty. The body wood is mahogany (not shure how many pieces). The frets felt a little "gritty," and could have used a bit of finish buffing, but playng is waring them smoother. Those were the larger issues. On the whole, not bad at all. The pickups had to go, though they did get a useable tone in the store (very similar sound to the Squire Esprit which had the same set of Duncan Designed-59-ish/JB-ish). The wiring, while neat, seemed to be wired in an "un-ergonomic" way with what seemed like a lot of extra wiring connections for ground. Hard to describe but it looked unusual. The rest was changed by personal choice, though everything worked. The tailpiece and bridge were a little light and the Tune-o-matic screw hold down wire was very flimsy. Replaced bridge and tailpiece with the Tone Pros System II. Had to have the bridge machined to fit original thumb screws (Tone Pros screws didn't fit the original import screw slugs). Mini pots (not CTS quality?), the toggle had a pretty short throw but was solid-(I replaced it with a SwitchCraft anyway for peace of mind). The tuners felt pretty solid, but were pretty low ratio so I replaced them with Sperzel locking tuners (Schallar locking would have fit w/o having to drill the lug holes for the Sperzels). Very similar to my Chinese made Brian Moore i21 which is heavier and feels just a bit more substantial. Not on the same level with my late 60's ES-335, and the my Carvins are s bit more substantial, but still, it feels solid. I'll need to compare it with a Hamer USA Studio Custom to really tell the difference. Brett Sounds like the basic the build quality is pretty good but some of the hardware would be a small(?) cause for worry to a seasoned guitarist eh? So a stock Chinese Hamer is pretty good eh?Hmmm... maybe I should start suggesting these Chinese Hamers to some of my beginner students... should be pretty good on a budget eh? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Brett Valentine Posted July 5, 2007 Members Share Posted July 5, 2007 Definitely think the import Hamers would make a great student guitar. Really, the only issue I had with hardware was the tuner ratio which was low and rather imprecise. The good news is that the Schaller locking tuners would have been a direct drop in replacement, and I hear that they are 18:1 ratio. The pickups were a bit dark, but not overly muffled, and workable. I'm a "tweaker," so of course, everything stock had to go. . .Brett Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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