What do you guys think of this for $300? (Hamer content)
- Thread starter Xeromus
- Start date
Re: What do you guys think of this for $300? (Hamer content)
As long as you realize that it's Korean and that you'll probably need to change the nut, the hardware, and the p'ups, it may work for you. I would be tempted to see what I could find on Ebay for maybe a little more money. You can find a nice USA Hamer cheap if you're patient. Don't tell anyone that I told you this, BTW. If anyone asks, I said that Hamer sucks, sucks, sucks! lol
As long as you realize that it's Korean and that you'll probably need to change the nut, the hardware, and the p'ups, it may work for you. I would be tempted to see what I could find on Ebay for maybe a little more money. You can find a nice USA Hamer cheap if you're patient. Don't tell anyone that I told you this, BTW. If anyone asks, I said that Hamer sucks, sucks, sucks! lol
rspst14
Tone Cat
Re: What do you guys think of this for $300? (Hamer content)
As his user name would imply, HamerPlyr knows his stuff when it comes to these guitars. As far as Korean guitars go, they are pretty decent. I'd buy one of them before I'd buy an Epiphone or a MIM Strat, although I still like the PRS SE models best when it comes to cheap imports that have the most bang for the buck. Jeff_H has one, if I'm not mistaken, he was looking to sell it a while back.
Still, I would save up a little more and get the real thing. Once you play a Hamer USA guitar, you'll never look at other brands the same way again. There are deals out there, you just have to look hard enough and be patient. I managed to get mine for $600, although the typical going price these days is around $700, maybe more if it's in exceptional shape or if it's a Studio Custom model. The regular Studios and the Special FM are good bargains, the only differences between them and the more expensive Studio Customs are cosmetic things. Studio Customs have body and neck binding, block inlays, and slightly nicer flame and quilt tops. If you can live with no binding and dot inlays, go with a regular Studio. The Special FM is similar to a Studio, but with a flat top instead of an arched top. These can be some of the best bargains. Hamer's naming conventions can be a bit confusing, so make sure you know what you're getting. In the early days of the company, their doublecut model was called the Special. Then it became the Sunburst Archtop. Then it became the Studio, and the import models became known as the Sunburst Archtop. Also, be aware that most of the Studio models from the early 90's have very thin necks. There is some variation because they are hand made, and also because Hamer is essentially a custom shop. If you're willing to wait and pay a little extra, there are other options available to you, like different neck profiles. But anyway, thicker necks didn't become standard until '95. 1993 was the last year of the thin necks, and then 1994 was a transition year. My '94 has a pretty thick neck, but some of the '94 models have the pencil thin necks. So if you're buying used and you can't play it first, take that into account.
Ryan
As his user name would imply, HamerPlyr knows his stuff when it comes to these guitars. As far as Korean guitars go, they are pretty decent. I'd buy one of them before I'd buy an Epiphone or a MIM Strat, although I still like the PRS SE models best when it comes to cheap imports that have the most bang for the buck. Jeff_H has one, if I'm not mistaken, he was looking to sell it a while back.
Still, I would save up a little more and get the real thing. Once you play a Hamer USA guitar, you'll never look at other brands the same way again. There are deals out there, you just have to look hard enough and be patient. I managed to get mine for $600, although the typical going price these days is around $700, maybe more if it's in exceptional shape or if it's a Studio Custom model. The regular Studios and the Special FM are good bargains, the only differences between them and the more expensive Studio Customs are cosmetic things. Studio Customs have body and neck binding, block inlays, and slightly nicer flame and quilt tops. If you can live with no binding and dot inlays, go with a regular Studio. The Special FM is similar to a Studio, but with a flat top instead of an arched top. These can be some of the best bargains. Hamer's naming conventions can be a bit confusing, so make sure you know what you're getting. In the early days of the company, their doublecut model was called the Special. Then it became the Sunburst Archtop. Then it became the Studio, and the import models became known as the Sunburst Archtop. Also, be aware that most of the Studio models from the early 90's have very thin necks. There is some variation because they are hand made, and also because Hamer is essentially a custom shop. If you're willing to wait and pay a little extra, there are other options available to you, like different neck profiles. But anyway, thicker necks didn't become standard until '95. 1993 was the last year of the thin necks, and then 1994 was a transition year. My '94 has a pretty thick neck, but some of the '94 models have the pencil thin necks. So if you're buying used and you can't play it first, take that into account.
Ryan
JeffB
Let it B
Re: What do you guys think of this for $300? (Hamer content)
Are you looking for a Les Paul w/ P90's tone? or Just a "generic" (for lack of better term..no slight intended) P90 guitar?
You won't get the former if thats what you want, but the one Hamer (USA) model I owned was an excellent, high quality instrument.
Xeromus said:
Are you looking for a Les Paul w/ P90's tone? or Just a "generic" (for lack of better term..no slight intended) P90 guitar?
You won't get the former if thats what you want, but the one Hamer (USA) model I owned was an excellent, high quality instrument.
Closed Eye
New member
Re: What do you guys think of this for $300? (Hamer content)
I think putting the pickup switch right there was a good idea too.
I think putting the pickup switch right there was a good idea too.
PUCKBOY99
Irish Flagologist
Re: What do you guys think of this for $300? (Hamer content)
I'm hoping the Studio Custom coming my way will be everything it appears.
I've had Epiphones & Mexican Fenders...also own a Dillion, which I believe is Korean...although great guitars for the money, there is a very noticeable difference between them & the USA models.
If you don't mind the insignificant details, I'd save my money & get exactly what you want. If upgrading the electronics, tuners, pickups etc etc etc doesn't bother you, hell, build a Warmoth & get exactly what you want.
Anyway, I'm rambling...good luck !!!
I'm hoping the Studio Custom coming my way will be everything it appears.
I've had Epiphones & Mexican Fenders...also own a Dillion, which I believe is Korean...although great guitars for the money, there is a very noticeable difference between them & the USA models.
If you don't mind the insignificant details, I'd save my money & get exactly what you want. If upgrading the electronics, tuners, pickups etc etc etc doesn't bother you, hell, build a Warmoth & get exactly what you want.
Anyway, I'm rambling...good luck !!!
