Kramer 84 Guitar Demo

[@angusorvid8840]

I played Kramers for years on the Sunset Strip in the 80s, mostly Barettas. They averaged between $600-$700 back then, so the price is not too far out of reach in today's money. But I only bought one brand-new and got the other three used around $300-$400. Sometimes I customized them, sometimes I left them as-is since they were ready to rock. That's the thing about Kramer that gave them an edge in those days. They had everything you needed and nothing you didn't to get the job done.

[@eddiejr540]

The bad thing about vintage Kramers is, if they are mint, the people want a fortune and if they are beat to hell, the people still want a fortune...it’s crazy!!!

[@j_freed]

Seems that way. Can I get any bucks for my Matsumoku-built Kramer Focus 3000? I always thought these guitars were total hogs (clunky maple bodies) but it seems people buy anything these days… and the earliest fine tuner OFRs are really great.

[@Rich-kp1eu]

You nailed the Beat it solo man, we know how much of a fan you are. Very nice job.

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thanks Rich!!

[@smc8144]

I’m a huge VH fan and have always had an affinity for Kramer. I’ve had a few. I currently have an all original 1983 Focus that is just fantastic! Pacer body, original Floyd. It’s just the stuff!

[@eddiejr540]

Nice... I still have my ‘84 Pacer from when I was a kid...it’s over 40yrs old and it’s still a beast!!!!

[@adamkorzon2972]

Yeh I got an 86 with the smaller headstock,and a Pacer series 85 my best guitars.just bought a new neck ,Got the Maple to try out.Most kramers had rosewood,but I could not find one with maple back then.

[@deltafour1212]

Still have my all original mint condition 84 cream color Kramer Barretta Guitar. LOVE that guitar.

[@SixStringAlliance]

It's a great guitar

[@johnscottmacintyre2439]

mine too...

[@angusorvid8840]

On the issue of pickups, I prefer the Tone Zone to a JB, and if I had a Kramer today that's what I'd pop in it, especially if the Kramer has a maple fretboard which can be very bright.

[@OldSkoolLegend]

I love the thinness and narrowness of this guitar..... not a lot of options out there for small hands.

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thanks for sharing!

[@charliered420]

That Beat It solo is one of the most pleasing sounds known to mankind.

[@SixStringAlliance]

It’s a masterpiece 🎸🎸

[@boogiewoogie9770]

I learnt to play on a Focus by Kramer K1000. The first line of Focus guitars. Wish I still had as unbelievably rare now. Same body as this and one pup. Had a volume and tone control and no fine tuners on the FR. That had a coil tap.

[@Strato13]

A beautiful guitar. I've always been a VH fan. and Edward was among the greats. I don't have this guitar per'se, but i do a a Left Handed EVH Stripe Series Stratocaster by Fender, and I really love it. However, getting tones out of it is both fun, and challenging. i favore warmer tones, and taking Eddy's advice from the "Thank you" section of the manual, I haven't cleaned the neck (I'm letting it get mucky and dirty/dark), and letting the strings get older to produce a warmer tone. It's a fun guitar to play, and glad to see Kramer still making this guitar.

[@Producelikeapro]

Another amazing video! Great performance and I LOVE that guitar! Hovering over 'buy it now' haha

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thanks Warren.. I’ll have a word with my friends at Kramer!!

[@Producelikeapro]

@@SixStringAlliance that would be AMAZING!!

[@abcd-to5lm]

@@SixStringAlliance hook me up too.Im poor

[@adamkorzon2972]

That is what happened to my Kramer the Estring broke a strand on the coil.Made a weird sound I still have it but took it out because it was a little buzzy,but it had a real treble sizzle to it.That is from us always lifting the pickup up so close to strings.

[@troysinger4697]

Absolutely love the Alder tone vs Basswood overall.

[@saulocpp]

I learn from you since the Lick Library days (2008) and I sort of play the instrument for the same reason as you. I'm sold on this white 84.

[@kennethhacker1341]

I had a focus 1000...can't believe how much they are getting for em

[@Shaffc71]

Omg just found a new black one in wait for it…………….. A lefty! Ordered immediately

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

Outstanding demo and chops!👍👏

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thank you kindly!

[@jorgeloo3131]

Now this video does not only shows the awesome sound of this guitar, it also included an amazing piece of guitar history! New suscriber here!!

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thanks you!! Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for the sub!

[@POLLOTROM]

I have that one and the EVH too. I love them both but I kind like the Kramer 84 more maybe for its headstock.

[@SixStringAlliance]

I absolutely love my Kramer!!

[@Dahlgren1958]

This is a terrific review. Not only did we get a little bit of history about these guitars, so we could understand how they evolved, but we also got plenty of practical observations and dynamite playing demos. I looked at other reviews of the 84 and nothing else came close. This was exactly the info I needed, presented without hype and from somebody who obviously knows their stuff when it comes to EVH. I just bought one of these guitars online (a little different version, the Diver Down from the Music Zoo) and am looking forward to delivery. Excited to play it. The house will rock. Thanks, Jamie, for putting so much effort into this review.

[@SixStringAlliance]

Hi Max.. thanks for this lovely comment. I’m glad you enjoyed the video. This is a fun guitar, I saw the Diver Down one, I wish I had one!! Have fun playing it and thanks again!!

[@davespin9034]

I own 5 Baretta's, 4 are Specials modified at various levels, 1 is the bumblebee yellow brother of your gray Baretta. Love these guitars, the necks are perfect 👌 Best shredder guitars!

[@SixStringAlliance]

That’s very cool!! They’re great guitars

[@Texman4268]

Jaime is just the absolute best!!! I wish I practiced more when watching his lesson DVDs but man, it's just amazing to watch him play and jam stuff!!!! Great demo!!! I have one of the Focus1000 by Kramer models that came out in 1986. I think it's more based off the Baretta and has the offset pickup. Thanks for this demo Jaime!!!

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thank you dude!!!

[@muleblues71]

mine is being delivered tomorrow! bought used and debating to 5150 it and saving me over $1000. awesome video

[@SixStringAlliance]

I hope you're enjoying there new guitar!!

[@muleblues71]

@@SixStringAlliance I certainly am!

[@martymcfly002]

Huge props for nailing the Beat It solo!

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thank you 🎸🤘🏻

[@themiln]

Man I was rockin out to that MJ intro, awesome!

[@SixStringAlliance]

Glad you like it!

[@dananthony6258]

Wow well freaking done dude. Very cool solo brother. Sick sick sick.

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thanks Dan

[@msstroh]

The Eddie stuff. You are so right on it. You did the work.

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thanks Martin

[@swordmonkey6635]

Wayne Charvel's custom made VH '79 Bumble Bee: "Am I a joke to you? I was the guitar that started it all. The Frankenstrat was a sloppy test bed. I was a smooth brand new strat bodied guitar that featured no pick guard, a single pickup and volume knob. Look at me and then look at the Kramer 5150 and you'll see the true bloodline."

[@mattfitzpatrick83]

The Bumblebee was buried with Dimebag Daryl.

[@boramsey5122]

I had a Kramer stereo model in that configuration

[@georgebaader9817]

Very cool video Jamie! Thanks for the info and great playing!!

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thanks!! Stay tuned for more!!

[@nicoladisvevia]

Came across this video purely by chance and was amazed to see the white Kramer. It took me right back to '84, when we shopped for an amplifier in a music store in Southwest Germany. As I was trying things out, one of the guys there handed me a white Kramer guitar, almost identical to yours, which he said had been played by EVH himself there!!! It was of course a wonderful connection; I'd become a huge EVH fan at the time. The neck was relatively rough - unglazed - and the action relatively high; it had the same great rock tone. Unless I misremember, Kramer produced their own tremolos in those days. But I can't remember if it was theirs or a Floyd Rose on that guitar. Probably the latter; I think it was painted black, to contrast with the white paint. In any case, it was the first time I had played a guitar with a locking trem, which could be released so much that the strings just hung off the neck. Your playing is great, by the way!

[@JesseLeeKing]

I have a charvel pro San dimas in metallic deep purple with a floyd rose.... I want a Kramer but they always out of stock. People say because Gibson is not taking Kramer seriously but I'm sure they sell just as fast as they can make them.

[@Powermad-bu4em]

I've had an Assault 220 FR for a year now and it might be my favorite guitar I've ever owned. EMGs, 24 frets, Floyd Rose, Les Paul shape, ebony fretboard all for 450 bucks. It plays like a dream and I've kinda ignored my Loomis Schecter since I bought it. I'd love to pick up another one.

[@eric_casper5150]

I had a white one when I was a kid now I want another one now. Great video and nailed that beat it solo!!!

[@derekm.8392]

Outstanding tone and playing Jamie! Loved the beat it solo Wow

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thank buddy.. I hope you're doing ok!!

[@jeffreynowotarski8775]

Outstanding review, Jamie! I've had this guitar in mind for some time now, and have decided to pull the trigger and purchase it. Thanks for everything. Love your channel. Awesome playing!!!

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thanks Jeffrey!! Good choice! It’s a great guitar. I use mine a lot. Enjoy 🎸🎸

[@jeffreynowotarski8775]

@@SixStringAlliance Got the white Kramer 84, Jamie! Beautiful, cool guitar - love it! Thanks once again for inspiring me with your video(s)!!!

[@christophergray42]

I have actually still got the original box my pacer de luxe came in...can't be many of them left at nearly 40 years old... 🤔🤘

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thanks for sharing

[@luislanga]

I had the previous model with the oval pickup cavity. I hated the neck, it said "slim c" or something on the website but it was really chunky and wide towards the higher frets. What bothered me the most were the "shoulders" of the neck profile, it made it almost impossible to have any control over the strings on the upper frets. Looked pretty cool though.

[@SixStringAlliance]

This one plays and feels great

[@adamkorzon2972]

The NoBOZOS ad was my Kramer baretta with eddie pointing at you.

[@MarkAnthony5150]

Jamie, you are a amazing player my friend!! GR8 review playing best up...

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thanks so much Mark!

[@MarkAnthony5150]

@@SixStringAlliance Welcome..

[@Notinserviceij]

finally someone that is playing with the right tone

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thanks!

[@bunsenn5064]

I’m glad Kramer made us an EVH 5150 for half the price.

[@SixStringAlliance]

Exactly!!

[@fillo1971]

Un sogno non realizzato in quel '84 di poterla comprare. Stupendo strumento Grazie per questo video 💯🎸

[@BlackpitfatherLech]

best review Ive found and seen with dose of needed history too, interesting thank you very much

[@SixStringAlliance]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dw5150dw]

Great video Jamie love all things evh the man was my hero .

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thank you.. yes he was mine also

[@dcamnc1]

I had an original pacer deluxe. Such a boat anchor.

[@SixStringAlliance]

Yeah the Barretta weighs a ton!! The 84 is a good weight.

[@ikigai47]

Man, that white looks so good. I had an original Beretta, got it brand new, but it got stolen. This one looks even better than my red one

[@SixStringAlliance]

Its great guitar!!

[@JesseLeeKing]

I like the tiger stripe pacer Kramer because it reminds me of George Lynch lol

[@jeromea1659]

That's 'The Satchel' model🤘😎🤘

[@JesseLeeKing]

Yeah sat satchel used it too before he went to charvel but George Lynch was the original tiger stripe guitar player imo yeah it was an esp and it was a different color haha. Yeah satchel used that exact type of guitar so in that case you're right lol but to me tiger stripes will always remind me of George Lynch.

[@jeromea1659]

@@JesseLeeKing I have a picture of a Tweet from G.Lynch on stage with a Tiger stating ' when I was in Steel Panther' 😅

[@JesseLeeKing]

Haha awesome yeah satchel and Lynch are both really funny guys

[@rajeetgupta4315]

You should definitely take a look at the George lynch sunburst tiger esp

[@MrMike-fm8bp]

Excellent video

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thanks!! 😊

[@davidpassey4217]

Great demo Jamie. This is definitely on my shortlist for my next guitar. Videos are looking great too BTW. 🤘

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thank you.. yeah I’m really pleased with the video and audio now. The studio has really worked out well. The guitar btw is awesome!!

[@davidpassey4217]

@@SixStringAlliance so you should be! Keep up the great work dude.

[@moanylover805]

YES MAN! One pick up, one volume = GO. All you can do is play..... \m/QQ\m/

[@msstroh]

I love your truth. Man so refreshing.

[@SixStringAlliance]

Honest is everything!!

[@aljackson7330]

Thanks for the vid Jamie! If I could play one of those like that, id go out and buy a couple of them! Keep rockin brother!👋👍

[@SixStringAlliance]

Well worth checking them out.. Killer guitar especially for the price!!

[@josephfranks1685]

Had to watch that beat it solo three times cause it was just that good 🤟 not sure which is more fun to watch the demos or lessons!! Haha. Jamie if that lick library is still available that would be most radical 😎

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thanks!! Lick Library is still going, but I am now doing my own thing. I have a great studio here in Stockholm, so I am producing lots of content and working towards laughing my own academy.

[@stackedhippiechick]

I pulled the trigger on this baby and it should arrive tomorrow. It's great to hear the story behind this guitar.

[@SixStringAlliance]

Enjoy!!

[@iKnowFast]

I’ll give you a 8/10 for that solo cover, Eddie would get a 10 every time, nice one!

[@SixStringAlliance]

I’d give Ed a 20 🎸🎸

[@Rich-kp1eu]

Why only 8? The dude nailed that solo.

[@iKnowFast]

@@Rich-kp1eu he did, but everyone can always go one better, plus, if eddie get's a 10, an 8 is a bloody high standard.

[@iKnowFast]

@@SixStringAlliance In that case, I give you an 18, that's going some!

[@OscarBenben]

your sound and image are just exceptional mate, *1 sub !!! Let's rock baby 🤘🏼⚡️

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thank you very much! I’ve had a little KZbin break as I’m filming a Six String Alliance beginners course, which is nearly complete!! I’m filming some more KZbin tomorrow so there’ll be new content this week 🎸🎸

[@OscarBenben]

@@SixStringAlliance the main difference between the 84 and the baretta is the neck scale length, headstock and the sided pickup ? Is there any difference in the size of the body ?

[@AndyK.23]

Awesome review and history lesson! Only correction, the 84 and the Baretta Vintage are made in Indonesia.

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thanks!! I think I said that.. they’re made in Asia but constructed in the US 😊

[@jessehutchings]

Great video, thank you so much. Originally, I started looking for either a Les Paul style guitar with an FR or alternatively a guitar reminiscent of the G&L Rampage specifically because Jerry Cantrell is my guitar idol and that is the guitar he said was his first real guitar which he loved enough to use throughout his career. However, after doing some research I discovered that these Kramer Baretta style guitars pre-dated the Rampage, Rampages appear to be out of production leaving only used in the market *and* Kramer guitars are significantly less expensive.. so, what's the downside?

[@trodiofiammeggiante433]

Is it possible to set up the floyd flush to the body like eddie used to do for dive-only?

[@RotterStudios]

Great video!

[@SixStringAlliance]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@wodewose3456]

Nice ! Thank you !!

[@herman29958]

Great review. The only thing that I don't understand is why his Baretta has a chunkier neck than his 84. I own both and my 84 has a much chunkier neck than my Baretta. My Kramer 84 is a 2017 model and my Kramer Baretta is a 2020. Maybe the new 84 has a thinner neck.

[@bebognr]

My 84's neck is like a Baseball bat! And heavy as shit cause it's all Maple. The new model has Alder body with a thiner neck! Love my Kramer

[@van1977]

Perfect review!!!

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thank you 🎸🎸

[@jacksonmarshallkramer5087]

Needs 24 frets like the NightSwan. All guitars should be 24 frets. That tone/sustain is killer.

[@thomascarlsson903]

Hi jamie. Love your guitar skills 🤘 can you tell me. Is this korean made or usa? I have a beretta special and wonder of there is a diffrence about the neck on the 84 and beretta special?

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thanks Thomas.. I believe the parts are made in Asia but it’s constructed in the USA. Genuine Floyd and Duncan JB. It’s a great guitar!!

[@vikramjitbanerjeetuki]

Digging this,great playing man 👍

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thanks a lot!

[@brandnewyou5254]

Nice job bro they'll kick me off though if I do that

[@briantherion5464]

well done mate!

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thanks Brian!

[@OscarBenben]

Nice job dude, it's strange cause this white color is available only on special Kramer 84's while you seems to have a vintage one with a Floyd Trem

[@SixStringAlliance]

Really? Mine is just a standard Kramer 84 in matte white.

[@5150show]

Dude you rock

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thanks Dude!! Hope to chat in the New Year!!

[@rocketpoolpki]

awesome stuff man \m/

[@SixStringAlliance]

Cheers Dave

[@billbranch1403]

I love that Kramer how much that rascal set ya back?

[@SixStringAlliance]

I film video content on the Gibson app so this guitar was sent to me. It’s very cool.

[@netei]

THIS GUITAR IS 100000% SKID ROW

[@SixStringAlliance]

Haha yes it is!

[@dominicgibson9529]

Nice, but, being the picky bugger that I am, the first thing I noticed was the pick up being straight and not angled as was the case with the Baretta.

[@SixStringAlliance]

Hi Dominic. This isn’t a Baretta, and Ed’s original 5150 wasn’t a Baretta. If you look at his 5150 guitar his pickup was straight. Look at the photos I include in the video. It’s meant to be the 5150 guitar, it’s very different to a Baretta. I also show you my Baretta in this video,

[@dominicgibson9529]

@@SixStringAlliance fair play...I stand, well lie in bed actually, corrected🤘👍

[@SixStringAlliance]

@@dominicgibson9529 😊😊🎸

[@maxmustardman298]

never understood why Eddie settled with a Pacer body and a straight humbucker, after all he came up with the idea of a slanted humbucker..

[@BillyE5150]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 =VH= FOREVER 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@SixStringAlliance]

Indeed!!

[@nicolaskunz863]

Is the body size of the 84 similar to a charvel dinky and jackson dinky, slightly smaller than a normal body (classic strat body) ? thanks! awesome playing btw!

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thank you!! Im not familiar with those body sizes, but it feels like my old 80's Charvel model 1

[@AljonGo]

Thanks for the love. Glad you dig the Kramer!!! - Team Kramer!

[@SixStringAlliance]

I love it!

[@jacksonmarshallkramer5087]

Every guitar should have a Jackson Soloist neck profile. Wide and flat.

[@iwilrage]

Nice history lesson

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thanks! 😃

[@thorstenriedel3152]

Great,thank you from Germanistan

[@SixStringAlliance]

You are welcome!

[@Vince1974]

Hello, How did you managed to lower the bridge this way ? My bridge is pretty higher than yours and the strings are already very low. If I lower it more the strings will literally be touching the frets. My problem is that I find the strings pretty far from the pickup. Best regards.

[@Vince1974]

The trussrod was too tightened so the strings were low... Once loosen up the strings were too high so I could lower the bridge and now strings or closer to the pickup ! With a Duncan 78, pretty cool !!

[@SixStringAlliance]

Great stuff. Glad you sorted it

[@Vince1974]

@@SixStringAlliance and the capacitor in mine was really bad chosen, desoldered it and it’s great. If it can help someone 🙏

[@joealberga9091]

Is it posible to set up this guitar (the 84) for just a dive only flyod rose?

[@SixStringAlliance]

Yes that’s how it came set up, dive only. But I prefer to have mine floating.

[@joealberga9091]

@@SixStringAlliance ok thank you very much, good to know. Also great review

[@darrenjones6077]

@@SixStringAlliance any quick tips to set it up to float? Full step..

[@Djdjsosskdndk]

Is the bridge floating or can only dives be performed?

[@SixStringAlliance]

I have mine floating.

[@danguitarman91]

I just wish it had a neck pickup for variety and that is why I bought the pacer.

[@MajorDook1]

Yeah, cos there's just not enough super strats with a bridge and neck pickup to choose from... ...

[@danguitarman91]

@@MajorDook1 not with this type of floyd... 🥱🥱🥱

[@MajorDook1]

@@danguitarman91 It's a floyd rose 1000 series. There's nothing special about it. It's found on Jacksons, Charvels, ESP/LTDs, Schecters and other Kramers. All these brands make multiple different super strats with a bridge and neck pickup.

[@danguitarman91]

@@MajorDook1 and they all are floating not too mounting. Anyway im busy enjoy your rant...

[@MajorDook1]

@@danguitarman91 I enjoy ranting

[@pablorar]

Jaime do you think the pickup tilting makes a difference on the baretta vs the 84?

[@SixStringAlliance]

Probably give you a bit more bite on the top strings, but I’m not sure how much you’d notice it. I’d have to A/B them.

[@pablorar]

@@SixStringAlliance thanks man

[@sethking3]

🔥

[@SixStringAlliance]

Cheers Sid

[@CHOPERUS23]

These days who knows who makes the guitar!

[@claudiocruzat8777]

Turkmenistán.. Tonga.. who knows 🤣

[@expendablepawn4878]

SWEEET!!!!!!

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thanks!

[@nashboily5916]

Nice how do you get that tone

[@SixStringAlliance]

Hi Nash.. Straight into the MESA head using the onboard CabClone IR. Some EQ and Compression on the way in. Eventide Pitch De tune and delay and reverb!!

[@andrewshortt4338]

Wicked....

[@DirtyBlues8]

Beautiful guitar. By the way, where was this guitar made at? American made or Indonesian? Great video. Very informative.

[@SixStringAlliance]

I believe the parts are made in Asia, not sure where, but the guitars are constructed in the USA

[@DirtyBlues8]

@@SixStringAlliance just saw that those guitars are made in Indonesia. My EVH Shark guitar is also made in Indonesia & it's a solid guitar. Loving that Kramer you have. I can't wait to order one for myself.

[@LG2TK]

Big difference between this and the baretta special?

[@SixStringAlliance]

Not sure what Baretta I used, but there was a difference, especially in weight.

[@oneseti79]

one pcs neck with fingerboard Hard Maple

[@pauloquinteros2032]

Are this K84 made in US or Indonesia? Thanks!

[@SixStringAlliance]

Not sure if they're made in Indonesia, I know they are made in Asia, but they're constructed in the US.. so a bit of both I guess haha

[@adamkorzon2972]

My Barreta original I like much more as well.

[@matteogambarelli1120]

If you will have 700/800€ to sped for a new guitar today just for Van Halen songs which one you will buy? 5150 standard, Kramer 84, Baretta special…thanks guys for your advice 🤘🏻

[@SixStringAlliance]

I’ve used a Baretta, but not the lower cost one. Sadly I’ve not played a 5150. I’ve reached out to try to get one on the channel. The 84 is great, but the 5150 Standard looks to be more versatile. I’d love to try one.

[@matteogambarelli1120]

@@SixStringAlliance Thank you Buddie! I will try to catch one cheaper I have yet a Super Distortion bought for 70 € 🤘🏻😏

[@imannonymous7707]

How come nobody ever plays the finish what ya started riff? I know its about the guitar ....but i happen to think that riff is another classic van halen track

[@SixStringAlliance]

Agreed!!! I'll add that to the list of riffs to teach on the channel.. great suggestion!!

[@David-pb6lz]

I'd buy it if it was made in america.

[@visionboxed]

great stuff sub+1

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thanks!! 😊🎸

[@geet77777]

god I wish the 84 had a fatter neck!!!!

[@SixStringAlliance]

Yeah I wish it had a neck like my EVH/Axis Music Man.