Is My Kramer Focus Worth Souping Up?

[Pink Unicorn Horsey]

I have a Kramer Focus 3000, which I've had since the late 80s. I bought it new back when I was a huge EVH fan, but I only played it for five years or so before moving on to other guitars. Since then, it's been sitting around doing absolutely nothing. It's all stock and needs some love and attention to be gig-worthy, but after checking out VHoholic's audio clips, I'm thinking maybe it's worth fixing up to make it an axe to be proud of.

This guitar is 100% stock. The first question is whether or not it's worth souping up. If the answer is yes, the second question is how to soup it up. I'd want to use it for Van Halen-type music, so consider that in your response.

Any thoughts?

- Keith

 

[Vasshu the humanoid typhoon]

Re: Is My Kramer Focus Worth Souping Up?

Focus with Plywood???
Never heard that before, I have seen Strikers and other lowenders with plywood, but the Focus was MIJ?!?
http://www.vintagekramer.com/parts5.htm
check this link out

 

[WhoFan]

Re: Is My Kramer Focus Worth Souping Up?

Focus with Plywood???
Never heard that before, I have seen Strikers and other lowenders with plywood, but the Focus was MIJ?!?
http://www.vintagekramer.com/parts5.htm
check this link out

wow.... you just blew my mind... sh*t... Yup i'm thinking Striker series...

I'll delete my posts

 

[Vasshu the humanoid typhoon]

Re: Is My Kramer Focus Worth Souping Up?

Hehe man no worries
He has a nice guitar...let's take it from there, and I so agree about strikers...100 series though had maple bodies...
Anyways..any of the PAF style humbuckers will get you there, for the more high gain stuff from the later days...well

 

[WhoFan]

Re: Is My Kramer Focus Worth Souping Up?

now that i have had a wake up call.... Focus series Kramers were not that bad of a guitar for the 80's... that guitar maybe worth fixing up

 

[Vasshu the humanoid typhoon]

Re: Is My Kramer Focus Worth Souping Up?

It has an OFR if I am not mistaken, so that part is cool!
The body is probally alder, they used that alot on those!

 

[devastone]

Re: Is My Kramer Focus Worth Souping Up?

I'm pretty sure those MIJ Kramers were made by ESP. I've owned a few, they are nice guitars, definitely worth fixing up. And, yeah, they had OFRs, sometimes you can find a Kramer Focus and pick it up for less than an OFR costs, well, a few years ago you could. Definitely worth it if they are in good shape.

 

[Vasshu the humanoid typhoon]

Re: Is My Kramer Focus Worth Souping Up?

Hehe most Kramers US and such where ESP's..mine American Pacer Deluxe is one.

 

[MartinSixStringCustoms]

Re: Is My Kramer Focus Worth Souping Up?

I have a Focus 1000 that I absolute love! OFR and I dropped a EVH 78 Model in it. Sounds heavenly! In fact, I'm looking for another if I can find one in nice shape!

 

[Pink Unicorn Horsey]

Re: Is My Kramer Focus Worth Souping Up?

Help me out here, guys: "OFR"?

 

[MartinSixStringCustoms]

Re: Is My Kramer Focus Worth Souping Up?

Original Floyd Rose

 

[Pink Unicorn Horsey]

Re: Is My Kramer Focus Worth Souping Up?

How do I know if mine's an OFR?

Also, the serial number on this is "A28571." Does anyone know how to determine the date and place of manufacture based on this?

- Keith

 

[idsnowdog]

Re: Is My Kramer Focus Worth Souping Up?

VHPAF bridge/duckbucker middle/jb jr neck.

 

[Vasshu the humanoid typhoon]

Re: Is My Kramer Focus Worth Souping Up?

Look here for Floyds.
http://www.vintagekramer.com/parts6.htm

 

[devastone]

Re: Is My Kramer Focus Worth Souping Up?

If it is a locking trem on an old Kramer, it's most likely an OFR.

 

[BigAlTheBird]

Re: Is My Kramer Focus Worth Souping Up?

Yes it is worth fixing up.

 

[WhoFan]

Re: Is My Kramer Focus Worth Souping Up?

when i saw the Striker i bought last month from across the shop, i raced over hoping it was a Focus.... saddly it was a Striker.... i bought it anyways... just to rape the aftermarket parts off it... But ya i would buy a used Focus if i find one in good shape and fair priced...

 

[Pink Unicorn Horsey]

Re: Is My Kramer Focus Worth Souping Up?

So...anyone want to give me some ideas on how to pimp this thing out and make it a rock machine?

- Keith

 

[WhoFan]

Re: Is My Kramer Focus Worth Souping Up?

a JB in the bridge is a must! If the frets are in need of refretting may i suggest 6100.... What colour of guitar is this? The Focus 3000 had a pickguard with H/S/S did it not?

Sometimes upgrading the trem posts to the better threaded inserts is a bonus...

 

[MartinSixStringCustoms]

Re: Is My Kramer Focus Worth Souping Up?

EVH 78 Model in the bridge. There is no substitute.