Hamer Studios- Thoughts???

[MattC]

I've been looking for a sub $1k set neck humbucker (or P-90) guitar to get me into Les Paul territory, and used Hamer Studios seem to be popping up on the 'bay in that range. They look gorgeous, and the specs seem to be right on the money.

I've never played one (nor are there any around here), so I'm looking for some feedback on 'em.

Thanks!

[cram]

the general thing I see mentioned is that during the 90's hamer went through some trends (if you call it that) and some errors in their turnout. Not big errors, but people will refer to "hameritus" - their finish near the neck joining the body would lift or become discolored.
the necks during this time tended to be thinner.
If the neck size is a concern for you, make sure you find out what sort of shaped neck you're dealing with.
I think hamer puts out quality work better than most makers and as good as the best.

I, like you, am in the same boat for a guitar here. I've tried several hamers locally and a few of them have been some of the best I've played period. I absolutely love the monaco and believe that would be my choice. I've just got to sell an amp and a few other things.

[diamonddavewv]

I recently got my first Hamer -- an '04 Artist Korina w/ P90s and original case -- for $900 on Ebay.

It's neck-heavy, but otherwise the guitar seems amazingly well put together. This has the newer "vintage" neck carve which I understand is thicker than most older Hamers. It feels great. I was a little concerned about the slightly flatter neck radius as compared to a Gibson (14.5" versus 12") but it's easy to get used to and doesn't seem as different as, say, switching between a Fender and Gibson. The finish (not sure if its nitro or poly) on the guitar feels like glass.

The only thing I'm not crazy about it are the Dimarzio Virtual p-90s that the prior owner installed, but I can't blame that on Hamer. I plan to put true p-90s back in it.

In short, I've drank Hamer's kool-aid, and it's delicious. And by the way, Korina rules.

[ScottB]

I've got a P90 Studio Gold Top that I bought new. I got a pretty good deal on it, but not "used-good".

I have no regrets. The neck profile is a little different, kind of wide. It has given me some cramp issues when I play it for extended periods of time.

I wasn't happy with the stock Duncan P90's (too hot) so I replaced them with Lollars.

Otherwise, it is a very resonant, well built, beautiful, nice sounding guitar.

At under $1000 it would be a bargain.

[DownByLaw]

I've had a early '90s p90 special, and currently have a '93 special FM. In either case both are exceptional guitars. My current FM will hang with some WAY more pricey guitars for a whole lot less money. Mine suffers just the slightest amount of "hameritis" at the neck joint, (barely noticeable) but none on the neck. Somewhat slim, but comfortable neck, (the p90 was slightly thicker, so they seem to vary a bit) 1 piece mahogany body, beautiful finish, duncan jb/59 stock, tone controls that work. Woody, screaming tone for cheap.

This timely as just this morning a swapped out the JB for something a little more tame, a TA HO1+. This made great guitar even better, I'm really pleased with how it compliments the guitar and the '59 neck.

http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m469/DownByLaw_photo/HamerTop4.jpg


Patrick

[lifeinsong]

Used to have one and have nothing bad to say...great guitars and a nice alternative to a LP. You might also wanna look at the Washburn WI68 Idol and the Pilsen Idol, they sell for around that price on the used market...also really nicely made guitars, Duncan pu's, Buzz Feiten Tuning System.

[adjeff2706]

I have a Studio Custom and an Artist Korina with a TV Yellow Phantom on the way via another TGP member. Great bang-for-the-buck as the quality is exceptional and they are generally a bargain used. I just had a case of GAS and sold my Gold Top Studio Custom with Fralin P-90's to finance another gear purchase and now I am regretting it :jo

[Born2Blues67]

I have a '95 Hamer Studio. Love it. :AOK

[sickboy79]

Fantastic guitars! I've got a Studio GT (Goldtop w/P-90s) that is an amazing guitar! Highly recommended!

[GibbyFan]

I had a 99' Studio Archtop. Amazing guitar and the Seth Lovers made it really rock. The craftsmanship and quality are amazing on USA Hamers. Good luck on your choice.

[amc]

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q199/amc115-photos/IMG_0514.jpg

USA Hamers are custom shop quality guitars.
Used, they are a steal!

[MuseCafeChris]

I own two. One a '95 with a wraparound bridge, the other a '98 with a tune-o-matic style. Love 'em. Chunkier neck carves on the ones from the mid-to-late '90s.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v156/ono_rocks/studios001.jpg

[kselbee]

Hamer makes some great guitars but I'd suggest spending some time with one before you buy. I bought a studio and ended up selling it because it was neck heavy, I didn't like the flat radius, and the thing would not stay in tune (never could figure that one out). But the build quality is excellent.

[jayn]

I had one that must have been late 90's. It was a great guitar...once I put Duncan Antiquities in it. Ultimately, the neck didn't feel that great on my hand, but I bet it would work for most people. The finish was lifting just a touch on the sides of the fretboard at the neck joint. Not a big deal... No problem with balance. I think they are a bit brighter sounding than LP's though.

[jordanL]

I have A mid 90's Special FM that looks very similar to the DownbytheLaw posted pics of. Mine has a medium neck that I find very comfortable. I put in a Pair of WCR pickups that work well in the guitar, the stock pups were good (I think a pair of 59's). It's not as thick sounding as a Lester, but close enough for my purposes.

[Stormin]

I bought my '93 Studio Custom (loaded with WCR's) for $900. It has the most amazing flame top that I've seen to date - perfectly matched. The back is a single piece of mahog. The neck is on the thinner side, but this guitar was a steal! New ones sell for $2800!!!

Stormin!

[gtraddict]

They are built better than Gibsons and certainly worth more than what they are going for

[hudpucker]

My '94 will never leave my clutches.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/hudpucker/online%20hotlink/GEDC0085a.jpg

[Brett Valentine]

Sweet!

[supergenius365]

They are built better than Gibsons and certainly worth more than what they are going for

Try to find a copy of the video Hamer put out a few years back discussing how their guitars are made. It will amaze you.

I had a Studio Custom which was an amazingly beautiful guitar. I paid $1,100 for it used. I bought 2 Gibson SG's for the same, or more, money that looked and played like cheap MIK toys compared to the Hamer. I only sold the Hamer b/c the neck was much bigger than I prefer.

[Kramer_nut]

I've got a 1993 Studio with the '59 burst and it's a fabulous guitar. No Hameritis and a decent sized neck, not too big but not too small. The neatest electronics cavity you will ever see. They take pride in these guitars when the build them. :AOK

Todd

ps I'm looking to trade it for a PRS if anyone is interested??? Just can't get used to the TOM bridge. I'm used to floyds and strats and hate to get rid of it but it just never gets played like my other guitars because of that.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m107/Kramer_nut/Hamer%20Guitars/100_1803.jpg