Review by
a visitor on 14.11.2004
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Robbnulls Music Boulder, Colorado
2 years ago (late 2001)
roughly $1100
Inullm no expert on guitar appraisal, or even playing guitar - Inullve been playing for 7 years, and cello and piano before that, and Inullve never been in a proper band, gigged, etc. Inullm just a hobbyist and this is the only electric Inullve owned, so therenulls the full disclosure on my experience.
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Features |
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24.75" scale,double-cutaway, all mahogany (I think), 3 piece neck, 2 humbuckers, VVT knobs and 1 three-position switch.
Super high quality piece with top notch materials, fit and finish, good electronics, Grover tuners. Not flashy at all, for example just plain circular fret markers, no pick guard, no binding around top, no detail around f-hole, no sunburst. In fact some may say that it is plain and ordinary looking, though it does have a beautiful clear red finish. Absolutely flawless as far as fret setting, neck joint, paint, etc. One unique thing about it is the tone chamber (semi-hollow, I guess?) in the upper bout, which lends a very nice tone, slightly woody and breathy, to its sound. One great thing is the range of sounds with the Hamer. |
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Playability |
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One unique thing about it is the tone chamber (semi-hollow, I guess?) in the upper bout, which lends a very nice tone, slightly woody and breathy, to its sound. One great thing is the range of sounds with the Hamer. This guitar can sound beautifully jazzy and near-acoustic, and can also get super distorted and crunchy. The sustain doesnnullt strike me as particularly long. No Santana like extra-long notes, but maybe that is more a reflection of my limited tekneek??
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Quality |
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To my ears it sounds gorgeous when clean, just balanced, bright and clear with extra warmth from the tone chamber you just donnullt get with a full solid-body. When heavily distorted it really crunches and grinds, but again, Inullm no professional, just a guy who likes playing on his little Behringer amp. Inullve played other guitars before, and Inullm not exactly an expert, but I can say that TO ME, this Hamer sounds, feels, and plays better than my buddiesnull guitars that cost the same or more ($1K+) |
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Durability |
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The intonation is perfect, tho I did have to adjust it slightly after purchase, and it holds itself in tune better than all my friendsnull/jam partnersnull instruments. It just will not go out of tune! Note that I am not in a proper band and do not gig on a regular basis, so my needs and impressions are obviously different than yours. |
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Overall |
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Very playable, beautiful yet simple look and design, and itnulls not just another Strat (no disrespect intended, I just like something off the beaten path).
Inullve read many other reviews on the web about this axe b4 I got it for myself, and the consensus seems to be: check out Hamernulls USA made products (like most of the brands, never mind their overseas/Mexico stuff unless younullre absolutely strapped for cash)! Great value for what you get, superior construction and materials, great tech support (hearsay-I have never had a problem with this guitar) and just top-notch all around.
The 25th anniversary I got was a limited run. It is now incorporated into the regular Hamer line as the Artist Series Mahogany HB. I see list is $1799, though we all know that donnullt mean nuthin.
Overall I am extremely satisfied with this instrument, and will never consider selling it, or refretting that "I should have just got a __________ instead". Do yourself a favor and at least seek out and play a Hamer USA. You may be surprised at what you find. |
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