Hamer Studio Thoughts

[agreatheight]

I have been thinking about picking up a new guitar. At first, I was going to pick up a Les Paul, but I am not thrilled with the fact that I can't get a non-chambered, non-weight-relieved new LP for under 4K new, 2K used. Ack.

So I started thinking about alternatives. I owned a cheap Hamer SATF guitar in the 90s and loved the look and feel of the instrument. Also, I was a big fan of Hamer basses in my younger days (bass is my main instrument). They are awesome instruments. I owned two, one of which was a USA custom shop 8 string Chaparral. Great craftsmanship, truly outstanding instrument. This all led me to think about a Hamer Studio instead of an LP.

So, to get to the point - is there anything I need to know about a Hamer Studio before buying? How would it compare to an LP tone-wise, and other-wise? Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[DavidMgT]

Studios are great guitars; exceptionally well made and solid- mine sounds a bit more focused than my R8, so it is a nice compliment. I would not hesitate to recommend them.

[atquinn]

Studios are my favorite non-trem guitar model. Great guitars. If you don't care about fancy, get a regular Studio instead of a Studio Custom and you'll save some money. And of course, buy used. The pickups will be either Duncan 59's in the neck and bridge or a 59 in the neck and a JB in the bridge. Depending on what you're tastes are, those might not do it for you, but pickups are easy to swap if they don't.
-
Austin

[Dashface]

The only thing you need to know about Hamer Studios is that they are amazing. End of story. Really wonderful and incredible guitars.

[SnidelyWhiplash]

Fantastic guitars. Can't recommend them highly enough.

[jspax7]

I have a Studio. Picked it up used for $750. No longer lusting for a Les Paul.

[G Man]

I'll have to get back to you as my first studio is in transit and will not get to me until next week. I do, however, own three other Hamer USA guitars and have owned one other, so I am admittedly biased. With that said, I believe that you can not go wrong with a Hamer. Nicer than many Gibbys I have played over the years.

[tbonesullivan]

studios are awesome guitars. you can find good studios for under $1K. There is one at daves guitar up in WI right now in '59 burst, with '59 and JB pickups. Also, I don't think I've seen one without a one piece body. They also have a "triple threat" model there, which had brazilian rosewood boards, 17 degree headstock pitch, and tops carved from one super piece of figured maple.

If you want a new one, WIllcutt guitars should have a bunch. They seem to mostly have the higher end "Studio Custom" models, which are bound and crowned, which adds a bunch to the price.

[Huckleberry]

A used 1996 Studio has been my number one since last year. Insanely priced at $700. It sounds like a tighter, hotter LP to me.

[agreatheight]

All right, you guys pushed me over the top - ima do it! I'll post pics and maybe some clips when i get her. Very excited!

Thanks!

[Halowords]

I LOVED my Hamer Studio.

I actually went from a LP Standard, which I loved, to the Hamer which I also loved. I kind of missed the low end of the LP, so got a Heritage H-150 which I love. I ended up getting rid of the Hamer, but now I miss that.

As far as differences, I found it had a bit more treble and almost "chimier" tone. What's cool was the top end was a rounder, smoother top end. It was a '96 and the neck just felt perfect. You lose a bit of low-end, the second tone knob, and some weight, but gain a nice beautiful-sounding top-end, an insanely better neck heel, really the design of that is to die for, great build quality, and just a nice ergonomic instrument. They have some really pretty ones too. Really, I could have stuck with the Hamer and been fine, but I'm happy with either. I sold the Hamer only because the two guitars covered the same general territory and I had less time to play once my daughter was born, but looking back could have been just fine keeping the Studio instead of the H-150 (although I love the H-150, so that one is staying put).

I do want another Hamer someday, a slightly-differently configured Studio would be awesome, just for a bit more variety and range than my H-150 would cover. I just found my Studio had a slightly higher-pitched range than my LP & H-150, a bit more focused/articulate sound, and just a beautiful slightly brighter voicing than my LP-styles. I will not say either is better, but I really grew to love and now kind of miss that sound that the Studio had. I do not think you will be disappointed.

-Cheers

[DavidMgT]

Originally Posted by Halowords

I LOVED my Hamer Studio.

I actually went from a LP Standard, which I loved, to the Hamer which I also loved. I kind of missed the low end of the LP, so got a Heritage H-150 which I love. I ended up getting rid of the Hamer, but now I miss that.

As far as differences, I found it had a bit more treble and almost "chimier" tone. What's cool was the top end was a rounder, smoother top end. It was a '96 and the neck just felt perfect. You lose a bit of low-end, the second tone knob, and some weight, but gain a nice beautiful-sounding top-end, an insanely better neck heel, really the design of that is to die for, great build quality, and just a nice ergonomic instrument. They have some really pretty ones too. Really, I could have stuck with the Hamer and been fine, but I'm happy with either. I sold the Hamer only because the two guitars covered the same general territory and I had less time to play once my daughter was born, but looking back could have been just fine keeping the Studio instead of the H-150 (although I love the H-150, so that one is staying put).

I do want another Hamer someday, a slightly-differently configured Studio would be awesome, just for a bit more variety and range than my H-150 would cover. I just found my Studio had a slightly higher-pitched range than my LP & H-150, a bit more focused/articulate sound, and just a beautiful slightly brighter voicing than my LP-styles. I will not say either is better, but I really grew to love and now kind of miss that sound that the Studio had. I do not think you will be disappointed.

-Cheers

Well-said. I have an R8 and a Studio Custom and the Studio indeed has a tighter, more articulate sound then the R8.

[supergenius365]

I had a Studio Custom I will never forgive myself for selling. I took it to my repair guy who is a bit critical of most guitars and his only comment was "This guitar is perfect". I realize you don't know the guy, but all his employees just kind of stopped and stared thinking "What did he just say?".

[BallisticGuitars]

I had a standard Studio and an Artist Custom at one point in my life. Both guitars were extremely well built and sounded very nice, but I just couldn't get used to the neck. To me, the frets were too tall and the neck was too fat, and I have big hands! I've never felt that way about any other guitar that I've owned, it is hard to explain but it was odd. That was the primary reason I sold both of my Hamers and went to PRS - even the WF PRS necks were more comfortable to play. So YMMV but generally speaking, you won't find many other brands that are as well-built as a USA Hamer.

[tbonesullivan]

if you are going used, the neck profiles changed quite a bit over the years. my '96 special and '00 newport have beefier necks than my '93 studio. my '93 special has the thinnest neck of any set neck hamer i've compared it to.