? Hamer guitars have been around since the late 70's. ?Originally started in Chicago, ?Hamer made guitars in small batches and built their reputation by selling them to Rock?stars and local players, Rick Nielesn and Paul Stanley were some of the notables at that time. During this time frame Gibson had been and was still in the middle of a quality decline. Hamer's models were based on the great Les Paul Specials of the 50's that had made Gibson famous. They copied them very closely but?they also added?refinements for the modern player. They were among the first companies to offer better pickups from the best manufacturers and the best hardware. More comfortable necks with GREAT tonewoods were the norm not the exception.

? My favorite models are the Hamer Specials and the Hamer Studio's from the 80's to the mid 90's.?They feature some of the best construction with?excellent dove tail neck to body joints?and incredible tonewoods. Their tonewood selections are outstanding and you would have to get a custom shop Gibson now to match their quality! These are outstanding values on the used market and can be had for $600-$700 dollars a STEAL for this quality. Schaller tuners and Seymour Duncan pickups have beeen standard equipment for decades! I also really like the new models. I think they bridge the gap between the best of the vintage guitars and the best of the modern playing guitars. The U.S. made Hamers are incredible and if you get a chance try one out! The import Hamers I would have to say though are not up to that standard and I would avoid the overseas made Hamers. They are very easy to tell apart by the logos and the Serial numbers on the headstock. Search these out before making your next guitar purchase. These would be hugely popular if they just had the right?big rock star/guitar God playing them!


Guitar Guru