Hamer Guitars, are they any good?

[6_string_master]

I have heard some good things about these guitars, but I barely know anything about them. I know Glenn Tipton and Adrian Smith use Hamers, but how good are the Californian series Hamers compared to Jackson Soloists?

[Racerx2k]

My Hamer SATF was one of my favorite playing guitars.

[Boxcar Willie 84]

Hamer's USA stuff is a little thing I like to call the best.

[Inazone]

The USAs are great, but the Californian and similar models have been discontinued for years. I don't know what the quality is like on the imports, but they changed so much about the Cali imports that I don't think they should carry the same name.

[shredmonster]

I just sold a USA Californian. Nice necks on those, 24 frets, decent tremelo system. The guy from Firehouse plays a Californian.
I sold it because I did not like the EMG pups and didn't feel like doing the work to change to passive pups. Great player though and I like bolt ons better than neck throughs.
You may want to check out the Hamer Forum. www. hamerfanclub.com

[Sinistas]

I have a 27 fret Cali import. It's my main axe, I love it.

[metalboots]

I have wanted a Hamer Vector (like Trey of Morbid Angel) for years.... they are quite hard to come by - but I love their Boom A Rang Style Inlays!

[toejam]

I know Glenn Tipton and Adrian Smith use Hamers

Glenn Tipton from Judas Priest, yes. I've never seen Adrian Smith from Iron Maiden with a Hamer, though.

[slash-ed]

I might be picking up a Hamer Standard Flametop import sometime this week... Anyone have any ideas on that particular model? I can't afford a Hamer USA, not by a long shot.

[1trussell]

The import series are all right. They're pretty much on par with every other import guitar in the same price range. Nothing spectacular, not like the USA Hamers. I've owned several USA Hamers, from shredders to V's, from solid bodies to semi-hollow. My oldest is a 78 and my newest is an 01. The USA Hamers are pretty much the best guitars I've ever played. They will stand on par with any boutique high dollar guitar you can think of.

The old USA shredders compare vey favorably to USA Jacksons. I had a Californian, Diablo and a short scale Chapparal. They were all top notch guitars. I only sold them because I don't use a trem all that much and they went to fund other USA Hamers.

[Flatpicker]

The US stuff is some of the best out there right now.
Still undervalued in the used market, so a good player can cost you little.

Just remember, Unless you are having it made to spec, they come standard with 1 5/8 in at the nut and 14 degree radi necks.

Some people find the string spacing a bit tight.

[slash-ed]

The import series are all right. They're pretty much on par with every other import guitar in the same price range. Nothing spectacular, not like the USA Hamers. I've owned several USA Hamers, from shredders to V's, from solid bodies to semi-hollow. My oldest is a 78 and my newest is an 01. The USA Hamers are pretty much the best guitars I've ever played. They will stand on par with any boutique high dollar guitar you can think of.

The old USA shredders compare vey favorably to USA Jacksons. I had a Californian, Diablo and a short scale Chapparal. They were all top notch guitars. I only sold them because I don't use a trem all that much and they went to fund other USA Hamers.

They don't seem to have that much aggressive/modern stuff these days in the USA line? From what I saw it seemed to tend more towards "vintage/classic" type vibes.

[SeventhSon]

You shoulda seen "The Punisher" on gearpage. An explorer with trans black flame and skull inlays. Wow. I woulda posted pics, but the thread is gone for some reason.

[1trussell]

The Punisher.

http://www.hamerfanclub.com/forums/i...howtopic=11728

[slash-ed]

Holy shiiet... Fuckin' sweet!!!