Going back to Cali...

[vector]

Just secured a deal on another Hamer USA Californian Limited Edition from '89. Just can't get enough of these amazing axes! I just sold one in iridescent but felt the need to replace it with another Cali LE in a finish that was more to my liking. IMO, Hamer's particular version of iridescent is like Holo-flash vomit. And what would be less offensive than iridescent? Why, "Barney Sparkle" purple metal flake, of course! Anyway, this one comes with factory EMG 81/SA. I already have a purple metal flake LE (same batch) I might take the more road worn of the two and do a full-on mod to it- new graphic paint, different p'ups, ditch the blade switch for a toggle, etc.

[leftykingv2]

The old USA Hamer's were such under rated guitars in my opinion. At least where I live they were. I still have my old Hamer and it's damn near the same guitar you have pictured there minus the color and reverse head stock. I haven't broken it out in at least a year or so and I really should pay more attention to it and some of my older guitars because they're some of the best players in my collection. Anyway man that's a really great score! HNGD bro!

[vector]

There are a few on here that know (and appreciate) what well-built guitars Hamers were, Lefty- Hamers were underrated because they suffered grievously from ineffective marketing IMO. That being said, their guitars were (and still are) some of the best made and playing axes out there.

[MetalHeadMat]

When it comes I'd like for you to send me a bunch of pics, same as with the iridescent/holo-flash-vomit-orgy if you don't mind

Congrats on the NGD, looks gorgeous!

[markD]

I still LOVE my diablo. pretty much everything about it is perfect. those cali's are awesome too. I remember the late 80s when my local guitar shop had those (and all USA hamer models) along with the peavey shredders....good times!! I couldn't afford ANY of them being a kid, so I got a Yamaha RGX211, which got the job done for a teenager.

[BLOOD SPLATTER]

Coolness....congrats!!

[vector]

I still LOVE my diablo. pretty much everything about it is perfect. those cali's are awesome too. I remember the late 80s when my local guitar shop had those (and all USA hamer models) along with the peavey shredders....good times!! I couldn't afford ANY of them being a kid, so I got a Yamaha RGX211, which got the job done for a teenager.

Yup. +1 Still have my Diablo and it is my 2nd fave of the Hamer shredders next to the Cali's. Truth is, whenever we go on vacay in the camper or up to the 'rent's lake house, I bring my Diablo. It's my go-to shredder when bringing the more expensive Cali is not appropriate.

[toejam]

Awesome! Always loved Hamers.

[leftykingv2]

There are a few on here that know (and appreciate) what well-built guitars Hamers were, Lefty- Hamers were underrated because they suffered grievously from ineffective marketing IMO. That being said, their guitars were (and still are) some of the best made and playing axes out there.

+1 I don't think they marketed themselves to the right crowd of players. I still think they make a great product. A friend of mine has a really nice newer Hamer. It's called a Hamer Korina Artist the top on it is gorgeous I'd say it's at least 4A or 5A grade maple top and it's a semi-hollow (I could be wrong on the top wood being maple). The Korina back makes it sound super heavy for a semi hollow and I know he paid about 3K for it because you can really hear and see the craftsmanship on the thing is top notch all the way around.

[Rsmacker]

I wonder how many people have popped onto E-bay and searched for Hamers after reading this and Toejam's thread about them? The price of them has risen accordingly...

[watson503]

Man, that Hamer is SICK!

[LaoWai]

I had a hamer usa chaparral w/sustainiac. I sold it before I moved to China. Something I totally regret…
Nice guitars, great find!

[lefty]

There are a few on here that know (and appreciate) what well-built guitars Hamers were, Lefty- Hamers were underrated because they suffered grievously from ineffective marketing IMO. That being said, their guitars were (and still are) some of the best made and playing axes out there.

But Hamer did market pretty aggressively in the 80s for a while. I think the 'Gibson-shaped'
models didn't sell because folks couldn't make the leap of not having a Gibson name on the
headstock. The original shaped ones, I guess, were too avant garde. I always loved Hamers--
still have 5 of them!

[vector]

I'm no expert on Hamer's marketing tactics and it's shortcomings but I've heard a lot of discussions re: this issue. Yes, Hamer aggressively marketed in the 80's. A small number of high-profile endorsements along with some well-done print ads abounded.The end result is still that Hamer is no more. They became irrelevant despite high quality materials and impeccable build quality.

It's funny because I took several Hamers, along with a 4,000+ dollar Gibby custom, to a well-known local luthier who has quite a bit of build experience himself. One of the first things he noted was the "boutique" quality of the ebony boards and the maple necks on the Hamers. In stark contrast, he then noted the inferior quality of the rosewood board on the Gibby. He commented on the shitty Chinese-made toggle switch used in the Gibby.

I'm not here to slag Gibson, just to point out that despite high quality materials and superb build quality, Hamer was not able to compete, long-term with the monster that Gibson is. Shame really.

Ah well, all I know is: I snagged another Cali LE. That's my 4th to date.

[daisp]

Love Hamers...congrats!