Posted by Ken Link: Hamer Guitars Website
on 9/19/2009, 8:30 pm
Message modified by board administrator 9/19/2009, 8:44 pm
Hi Folks,
Being that my daughter wants an electric guitar--she prefers either a Gibson Les Paul or a Rickenbacker 360 6-string--but she really isn't very well-versed on electrics, I've been shopping around for something for her. For the last couple of months, I've played and even bought one of the Taylor Solidbody Electrics that Stutzman's Guitar Center has in stock but returned it. The store has these marked down from their regular price as they just didn't sell since being introduced two years ago.
Today, while in Stutzman's Guitar Center, I was talking to Rick, a new salesman at the store who specializes in electric guitars, and he suggested I try a couple of Hamer guitars, the Artist and the Studio models that are new guitars but have been resident at Stutzman's for a couple of years without selling--Stutzman's reputation is built on acoustic guitars. At any rate, Rick says Hamer U.S.A.-made electrics are better quality and easier-playing than Gibson Les Pauls. He also said that Hamers are the equal and better in some ways than Paul Reed Smith guitars which makes them a better value.
After playing the Hamer Artist and Studio models I thought their workmanship to be immaculate and their playability to be better than Les Pauls. I've never played a Paul Reed Smith and, thusly, can't really compare them. The Hamers have Seymour Duncan pickups (the real ones: two '59s for the Studio and two Seth Lovers for the Artist) and Tone Pros bridges and Schaller tuners. From what I can gather Hamer Guitars are played by many pros but don't have the ubiquity of Les Pauls or PRS axes. Apparently, Hamer Guitars are an excellent guitar and just may be my brand of choice for my daughter. My question to any of you out there is:
What are your thoughts on U.S.A.-made Hamer Guitars?
Hamer Artist:
http://www.hamerguitars.com/?fa=detail&mid=378
Hamer Studio:
http://www.hamerguitars.com/?fa=detail&mid=390
Thanks & Folk On!
Folk On!
Ken
P.S. I'm not an electric guitarist but over the years I've had several Les Pauls, a couple of Stratocasters, a Telecaster, and a MusicMan. Until today, I'd never played a Hamer although I've seen them around for years. The company originated in Chicago in 1973 but was bought by Kaman Music, which is now owned by Fender. The guitars I'm interested in are new, late 2006 Hamers which makes them pre-Fender.
Responses: