Modern Vintage: The Story of Hamer Guitars (Part One)

Sources: Text
The Ultimate: An Illustrated History of Hamer Guitars
amzn.to/45UCfA8
Hamer Fan Club
www.hamerfanclub.com/
Gibson Guitars: Ted McCarty's Golden Era 1948-1966
archive.org/details/gibsongui...
Gruhn's Guide to Vintage Guitars
amzn.to/45RJZTh
Sources: Audio/Video
@guitarbusinessradio Episode 76: Jol Dantzig
• GBR 76 Jol Dantzig’s C...
@AmpsAxes Episode 86: Jol Dantzig
• Amps & Axes - #086 - J...
@themusiczoo Gas With Gary: Hamer Guitars
• Gas With Gary: Hamer G...
@ratherhavethestory-therhsp6780 Rick Nielsen
• Rather Have the Story:...
@guitarradioshow Episode 109: Jol Dantzig
guitarradioshow.com/episode-1...
@guitarradioshow Episode 117: George Gruhn
guitarradioshow.com/episode-1...
‪@officialcheaptrick‬ Dream Police Promo
• Dream Police - Cheap T...
NAMM Oral History Interviews:
Paul Hamer
www.namm.org/library/oral-his...
Frank Untermyer
www.namm.org/library/oral-his...
Jol Dantzig
www.namm.org/library/oral-his...
Bill Kaman & Jeffrey Hasselberger
www.namm.org/library/oral-his...
George Gruhn
www.namm.org/library/oral-his...
@gibsonguitar Rick Nielsen: The Collection
• The Collection: Rick N...
@premierguitar - Holy Grail Show '18: H Guitars Cutaway Demo
• Holy Grail Guitar Show...
@swk91356 Charles H. Kaman: A Lifetime of Achievement
• Charles H Kaman A Life...
Tom Petersson 2016 Gretsch Demo
• Tom Petersson Gretsch ...
Sources: Photos
‪@n.h.p.guitars‬ Nick's Hand Picked Guitars - Sunburst pictures
Curtis Meissner - All photos of Northern Prairie Music, Jol, Paul, and Curtis
*If any video or photos shown belong to you and aren't properly credited, please reach out at [e-mail]*
#hamer #hamerguitars #guitar #guitarist #guitarplayer #history #cheaptrick #litaford #lespaul #lespaulcustom #lespauljunior #gibsonguitars #fender #fenderguitars #joldantzig #paulhamer #wishboneash #andypowell #martinturner #ricknielsen #tompetersson #vintageguitars #vintageguitar #premierguitar #deanguitars #kingsx #pearljam #badcompany #warrenzevon #chicago #arlingtonheights #palatine #northernprairiemusic #deanguitars #documentary #musicdocumentary #kaman #hamersunburst #hamerstandard #sapulpaguitaracademy #70s

[@Turboy65]

Hamer: Building Gibson guitars with PRS quality, long before PRS existed.

[@Stockholm.sweden]

No, it was PRS that started to build guitars heavily influenced by Hamer's unsurpassed quality. PRS are mainly followers.

[@NelsonRodriguez_]

I love the British Electric Blues and 5150 show Andrew and that rascal Simon Williams 🎉a great excerpt from a wonderful episode peace from California

[@peterhayes9490]

I grew up across the street from Paul’s parents. I remember watching him jam in the backyard. It’s one f the reasons I started playing guitar.

[@Peter-by3ox]

I always loved the Models they made for Glen Tipton and KK downing from Judas Priest

[@metlgod1]

My first real guitar I ever owned was a Hamer Phantom GT I had built in 1985 as a 17 year old. I still own and play it. It plays like butter!

[@RavenMadd9]

Had the great opportunity to meet Paul Hamer in late 1979.....loved this dude loved guitars as much as me....this was on 48th street NYC ...the block......long gone shame

[@timp.9582]

I remember as a kid taking train into NY and visiting the stores just to be awed. Nothing now. Same can be said for almost any of the business districts in NY like fur, art supplies, leather goods, etc. all the real estate was sold out for top dollar.

[@davidturkos8502]

He'll, 48th street was the best part of going to the city. Now I could care less.

[@mykneeshurt8393]

Hamer was my first guitar. It was an inexpensive guitar, mid 1990's. But it means a lot to me and never goes out of tune.

[@DrMurdercock]

These guitar company stories are PRICELESS. I dreamed of videos like this when I was a kid. I wore the VHS tapes I had out

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

Thanks! There's more episodes on the way. Hamer in the 80s will be a lot of fun for the fans of this type of content.

[@shawnogrady7154]

@@SapulpaGuitarAcademy Any word on when Pt 2 will be out? Pt 1 was outstanding!

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

No word yet. Part 2 is going to have a lot of new interviews that I've started conducting just this last week. I'm also deciding if I can realistically fit all of the 80s into one episode. From 80-87, Hamer issued 15 new models alone. I hope you're a Ken Burns fan because this series may be a few episodes longer than I intended. Thanks for watching!

[@DrMurdercock]

@@SapulpaGuitarAcademy Schecter would be cool to do!

[@shawnogrady7154]

@@SapulpaGuitarAcademy Music to my ears! I like to call this era (mid-70’s to mid 80’s) the Silver Age of independent US guitar makers - Hamer, Schecter, Jackson, BC Rich, etc. - so the more information brought to light on their stories the better!

[@CaptainCraigKWMRZ]

My first made to order bass guitar was around 2005. It was a '59 LP 12 string bass. With hard case. Around $1,500 as I recall and took about 6 months to make. But I got it and was thrilled with it. I played it out at tiki bar gigs in the Florida Keys for a few years before selling it on eBay. Wish I still had it!

[@audieophule5299]

I'm ready for part 2, thanks! This was great :)

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

Thanks! I appreciate the kind words.

[@SaabJitsu]

Great video can't wait for the 2nd part but as an owner of 4 Hamer guitars I hope this don't draw too much attention to our little secret and drive the used prices up lol Well done!

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

I may or may not have bought a Special a few days before I posted. 🤫 Thanks for watching!

[@sprontos]

Too late.

[@SaabJitsu]

Seems likely but we've had it pretty good for a long time while the obvious brands got out of control lol. I'm from Maine so these were kinda everywhere.

[@Angerasart]

you already own 4. The value just went up! Count your blessings.

[@SaabJitsu]

Fair point, but when you got gas you got gas! Lol Someone should do a psychological evaluation of us guitar players lol

[@nicholasbstone]

I remember back in the early 90's when I was just starting out, I would look through guitar magazines and was always inspired by the Hamer ads. I remember one in particular, for the Hamer Californian, it was a super-strat style guitar with an extended fingerboard of 27 frets. It became my first of many "dream guitars" that also served to inspire my playing even if I never ended up owning one...perhaps someday!

[@murdock7112]

Rick Nielsen mentioning the 60,000 picks he gives away, reminded me to look for my "1" certain pick I got in a candy package when I bought a guitar from reverb. No name on it. Perfect for certain guitars and songs. Glad this was audio and great story. Looking forward to Part II

[@Angerasart]

My friend Larry Melero was Rick's guitar tech up until he passed in 2018. I have boxes ful of Rick picks that Larry would 'acquire' on different tours ( a gift from his widow). 60.000 is a safe number - Rick goes through them so fast!

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

Hamer guitars have always been cool to me. I grew up about an hour from their CT factory. Would love to own one someday.

[@bldallas]

Fascinating history. I love this stuff; very well done. Thanks. PS, I was in high school when Cheap Trick Live at Budakan (sp?) came out. That album had such a huge impact on my musical interests. I knew Rick was a big Hamer guy, but didn’t realize how much the band contributed to the company’s early success. Great stuff, thanks for including it.

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

Thanks for the kind words. I appreciate the support!

[@lazloryder]

Thank you for this! My Hamer Monaco Elite has always been my #1. Perfectly built.

[@HellcatCustoms]

Excellent work. Looking forward to part 2

[@daviddaniels5021]

Bought a double cut Hamer Special with a flat curly maple top from Texas Tom’s Music around 1980 it was incredible!! It was stolen in Lafayette LA., broke my heart!!

[@tenlittleindians]

I always wanted a Gibson Explorer but never seen them in music stores in the early 70's here in Eastern Iowa. Cheap Trick would often play around the Midwest and I began to notice Rick's beautiful guitars at a show at the Rockford Speedway one summer. They were Hamer guitars which turned out to be as hard as Gibson Explorer guitars to find in an era long before the internet and cell phones were invented. Now I know why I couldn't find one back then.❤

[@geschickt]

Damn! I briefly owned a left-handed Hamer...basically the "Standard" (Explorer), but it had LP Custom style appointments--block inlays, gold pickup covers & tuners (whenever they started doing those...early 80's?). Traded a guy for a red tolex Marshall 4x12 (straight), circa '70-'71, original Celestions--still have it! Anyway, this excellent documentary made me a bit wistful for that guitar, a real piece of "boutique" guitar history, wherever it is now... Thanks for this!

[@lucyfuir6386]

I first recognized Hamer from def lepard using them in the pyromania days. For some strange reason I always thought they were a German company.

[@butchjones3497]

Fantastic! As a 12 year old Kid, I would wander into local music store and drool at the Hamer Standard...and then later the Steve Stevens "Barney Rubble". I never did buy one, but STILL pine for one! 💚🎸

[@superlead1002]

This was great! I'm looking forward to part two! Hamer has really never gotten the respect they deserve relative to the other guys.

[@mrshiney2]

I have a 1995 arch top. Waited 6 months for them to build it, lovely guitar

[@garyamaral1648]

I vividly remember seeing Cheap Trick on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert in 1979 (I think). That was my 1st exposure to Hamers. They looked/sounded awesome. And TPs 12 string bass was amazing. Still a fan after all these years. It's such a shame that Hammer Guitars couldn't keep it together.

[@user-td7ri1jx1e]

I also remember Dave l. From molly hatchet playing that hammer explorer , hammer guitars made it fun back then!thanks for the memories 🎶

[@FKKramer]

That's great! I love my 1980 Sunburst and the 2 Specials 81 & 82 ;)

[@audieophule5299]

I have a 1980 Sunburst also!

[@FKKramer]

@@audieophule5299 I did a demo of my 80 😉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6Wxcn-FhK6rracsi=Wisf2HWQQ77BwakJ

[@rottingcorpse6002]

I just picked up a Hamer Blitz bass. Always wanted one.

[@BudKelly1929]

Man, I enjoy this so much. Thanks guys !

[@Earthshaker1965]

Excellent video!!! Professional guitar documentary!!! I used to drool over the Hamer ads when I was growing up....lol.❤

[@mikefln]

I had a Cruise bass back in the early 80s that I got from Banner Thomas of Molly Hatchet. I arrogantly had my name engraved on the pickguard, then ended up trading it away a few years later. I’ve regretted it ever since. I’m still looking for that bass, if anyone here knows of it. RIP BT.

[@thomasbonnett4800]

Same here but a Blitz Bass. Regret it every single day.

[@patricklennox9572]

In light of Gibson's unattainably-priced guitars these days, perhaps Hamer could come back.

[@timp.9582]

Not without being sued, which is gibsons MO for attacking any competitive threat

[@cuda426hemi]

You forget, Hamer was double the price of Gibson. Adjusted for inflation Gibson prices are cheaper than the early 70s - you broke-ass guys are out of gas. Today Hamers are Asian no better than any Squier or Epiphone. 🎸

[@legacyShredder1]

Never heard of this channel before. This video popped up on auto-play while I was making breakfast, and I'm happy it did. This was wonderfully done. I was legitimate bummed when I realized part two isn't out yet. I'm looking forward to part two and other videos on this channel.

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

Thank you, I really appreciate the kind words! This is the start of a new direction for the channel, so stay tuned, and hopefully, I can get more episodes out soon.

[@mr.timebombman2230]

Paul Hamer has morphed into Orville Reddenbacher

[@StanleyCullerEsq.]

You know he will ABSOLUTELY read this, right/lol? Also, he should be so lucky to have his life play out like Orville Redenbacher's, given that he died at age 93 in a luxury Las Vegas suite, naked in bed with two gorgeous, naked women, a pile of pure cocaine next to the bed... Wait, I might be thinking of John Entwistle.

[@FloridaManMatty]

😂

[@drewbaisden3475]

Great doc thanks for posting it. I have 3 Hamer Standards. First one I got used was a '95 USA Hamer Explorer Standard Cherryburst VG condition. Second an '06 USA Hamer Standard Explorer Ice Tea Burst in EX condition and third an early Korean Hamer Standard Explorer Cherryburst VG condition. All have never left the house, I am a small time collector mainly 70's Gibson LPs, 70's Gretsch 7593 Falcons and Country Clubs and Fender Teles from many different years. But if you pick up my '77 NM white Gibson LP Custom and then pick up the '95 Hamer Standard you won't feel like picking the LP back up. The quality of these Hamers is so great. You can just feel it. In all honesty I don't play anymore but still collect here and there, but if I were to play now tbh I'd probably go for the Korean Hamer Standard as it is much lighter (those US Hamer Standards were heavy as F and I'm such a terrible player at 63 yrs old you couldn't tell the difference when I play anyway haha). Hamer were basically the first boutique guitar. And what I really want is the VG condition USA Black Hamer Standard with the white binding. So feel free to contact me. They aren't making any more of them.

[@HollywoodRecordingStudio]

I’ve had a Hamer Blitz since 1983. It’s still one of my favorite guitars and it’s great to record with.

[@planetm.f.8122]

Cool, I managed to score a 1982 black Hamer Blitz in 1985 for $400 with case in beautiful condition. It was my 1st quality instrument. In around 1998, I was able to locate a 1987 candy Hamer Blitz bass in a pawn shop for about $300 with case. I think it's been refinished, because it's in so nice condition. I heard from an employee that it possibly have a neck repair but I cannot notice any flaws in the next so I'm not sure. I still have and love these guitars. But, I've always wanted a Hamer Standard but they are now way out of my price range.

[@danielerickson5175]

Great presentation! I grew up in southern Wisconsin and a kid moved up from Belvidere Illinois in the summer of 77 … instant friends. Tell me about this cool band cheap trick ; he had bought his saxophone at one of the guys dad‘s music shop! Next thing I know I’m the biggest fan ever and they’ve gotten huge . Fast-forward to fall of 1982 starting college in Madison. A little music store off State Street had a Hamer Standard. Beautiful cherry Sunburst with pick ups and hardware from a ‘58 335… Serial number 0059 ! $1000. Trying to figure out how a broke college kid like myself can scrape up money for a layaway down payment , Mitch Ryder barreled through town and scooped it up. Ahhhhh, the ones that get away. 😎

[@guitarradioshow]

Really enjoyed this!!!! Love my Hamers

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

I'm looking forward to seeing you in Part 2!

[@guitarradioshow]

@@SapulpaGuitarAcademy me as well!! 🎸🎸🎸

[@deanallen927]

Paul Hamer was my boss at Guitar Center, San Jose in the early '90s. We liked each other a lot, but we were from two different planets; if I was anything, I wasn't a shark or a hustler which is what he was training us to be. I ended up getting another job, but it was a fun time. He was a great guy.

[@FlipDahlenburg]

The only Hamer I've got left is an old Sunburst, early eighties. The best one I owned was a beautiful Hamer TLE with a tremendous figured top and ebony fretboard with boomerang inlays. That is the best of hundreds of guitars I have owned or played. UPS ruined it in transit, and paid me for it. Wish I still had it rather than the money. An incredible guitar.

[@georgeshepherd3381]

Hamer rocks!!!

[@rwdavis1340]

I bought a Hamer Standard from Willcutt Guitars in KY. Loved that guitar!

[@LucasHaneman]

A guitar teacher of mine had a really nice semi hollow around 2006. I believe he had some kind of an endorsement deal. It was a beautiful guitar and the couple of times I played it I really enjoyed it.

[@Angerasart]

What an amazing documentary. Cannot wait for part 2 - as a Judas Priest fan, I sincerely hope for the same 'deep dive' into KK's V's, Glenn's Phantoms and GT's (which to hear Glenn describe them are brilliant in how that bottom bout is supposed to rest on your leg to hold the guitar in a position to stretch to 'shred.' Very well done - especially exposing how Norlin and CBS forgot that guitars are for players. This is 'must see' video for any boomers and Gen X who were just discovering guitars at the time Hamer launched.

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

Thank you so much for the kind words! If you know of video of audio of Glenn or KK discussing their Hamers, please reach out at [e-mail] Thanks for watching!

[@Angerasart]

@@SapulpaGuitarAcademy just sent an email.

[@planetm.f.8122]

Also ZZ Top and Motley Crue were rocking Hamers in the 80s too!

[@auntjenifer7774]

Pearl jam played many Hamers in the early years, 1989 on through 2000's.

[@BillAltman]

I used to stare at the Hamers in Ward Brodt , finally got a red Sunburst eventually became a mod on the Hamer Fan Club and also had their key man endorsement, Hamer and their fans are the best

[@jaysonpilkinton3697]

Amazing! Love it. I can’t wait for part two!!

[@senorsalami]

great video by the way loved it !

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

Thanks! I really appreciate it. Stay tuned for more!

[@jeffmaloney3843]

I have a ‘94 Daytona. Best Strat I own, of five, including a mint ‘69 Fender Strat. Swamp ash, barely 7 pounds, see-thru white finish. I’ve also had a ‘94 T-51 and a Studio FM which were awesome too.

[@benwabp]

I got a used green Daytona back in like 96. Still have it and still love it!!

[@dylanankney7490]

Looking forward to Part 2. Lots of things I didn’t know - even as a guy who owns a couple dozen Hamers

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

Thanks! Lots of Hamer content coming up so stay tuned!

[@jeff3575davison]

Back in the day, in the early 70's I was 18 and frequented Northern Prairie on Greenbay road. I had them put cream binding, flame top and dual D'Marzio humbuckers on a '63 double cut-a-way Melody Maker. Wanted an LP Jr. but couldn't afford on with my high school income.Traded it in for an ES335 plus few bucks a couple years later. I've always wondered what ever happened to the instrument over the years.... should have hung on to it....

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

Jeff, could you send an email over when you get the chance? I'd like to get this story down. [e-mail] Thanks!

[@jeff3575davison]

@@SapulpaGuitarAcademy Chris, sent you an email....

[@bbass5711]

My Hamer is the best guitar I’ve ever had.

[@MrRoundwound]

They sure are awesome looking. I’ve got Les Paul’s and fender guitars. These always looked better. I guess more hoarding coming up

[@dw7704]

Many years ago I met Paul Hamer at a music store event. He was very encouraging and respectful of my friend and me as aspiring rock stars (which we never became) Real nice guy. I can say that of a few others as well, but he made an impression on us.

[@matthewpaluch777]

😎👍💗🎸💣🔊🎼 HAMER - THEE ORIGINAL CUSTOM SHOP!!!

[@michaelblaney4461]

I always wanted a explorer bass like Rick Savage and 12 string of Tom Peterson.

[@sergeantbigsteve7192]

Chris great info, great video, great job putting this all together.

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

Thanks, Steve! I appreciate you checking it out before I published it. Looking forward to hearing about the Doobies on Sunday.

[@guitartec]

Wow, I always wondered why Jan Ackerman's LP fret extension was angled.

[@monmixer]

I went shopping for my first REAL so to speak guitar. Obviously eyeing the choices that Gibson and Fender had on the shelves in my local stores. This was 1979. The only thing within financial reach for me was Gibson The Paul and I just didn't care for it. The strats were to expensive and also had poor choices. So I go the back street music store. You know the kind full of old band instruments with a couple floors of vintage stuff over top of the main floor. I explain my problem to him and he says look what I just got in. He had a Hamer Sunburst. I believe the price was around 700. I played it, loved it and bought it. It was Les Paul killer. It was perfect. I bought another one of those in 79 also. Well in 1980 he got a Standard in. The big stores were bound to Fender and Gibson. This guy who sold mostly used was Hamer dealership. It was as new to him as to myself I suppose. I still have the standard and it is a 4 digit. I'm getting up there and considering selling it but the price is shooting up a couple grand a year on them. I rarely take it out of the house. I have never owned a Gibson. Don't care to. I do own two telecasters. An old early MIJ Fender Tele a Deluxe Nashville. Both were bought for 350.

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

Thanks for watching and sharing that story in particular! I hope you stick around for all the episodes coming up.

[@eddiejr540]

Great job…well done👍

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

Thanks! I appreciate the kind words! A much bigger reaction than I was expecting.

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

Back in 1981 I really wanted a hamer explorer But it was too expensive for a 15 year old kid. still want one to this day but they are hard to get

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

I was a broke kid in the 90s and I couldn't even afford the import Hamers so I completely know the feeling. Truly a boutique brand before it's time. Thanks for watching!

[@jasonlee8497]

Best sounding guitar I ever owned was a Hamer Flying V. Red with a large fat neck. I was offered stupid money for it. Newly married at the time, my wife found out how much I was offered. Couldn’t believe I didn’t want to sell it. She said you have what 10 guitars?! Lol! She didn’t understand. But I did sell it. Wish I hadn’t. Never heard one like it since. The middle position was like the best boost pedal you ever heard. Amazing.

[@adamwatson6916]

I wish Dimarzio would reissue the original recipe Dimarzio Pafs/original DP 103 pickups. Those pickups are incredible. They didn't really follow the vintage Recipe and the sound was fairly different from a vintage PAF but that was a good thing because the 70s and early 80s Dimarzio PAFs were very unique sounding .They were very clear and had that vowel sounding pronounced midrange but without any mud. The Seymour Duncan custom custom and slash signature pickups sort of remind of the old Dimarzio PAF sound but the old Dimarzios are much bettet .. They had PAF output but with a voicing that made them a touch more aggressive and more suitable for heavy rock. The Super Distortion bridge paired with the PAF neck was the classic combo . The Super Distortion bridge and Super Distortion 2 neck was another classic combo but I prefer the PAF bridge and neck combo.

[@dr.buzzvonjellar8862]

I have a Hamer 335 made in Indonesia and it’s amazing. I put a couple Gibson pickups in it and it’s as high quantity as my R8 Les Paul.

[@kayanowtoo7593]

The guy at 3:08 the title says George Gruhn when I heard him I thought it was "The Central Scrutinizer", instant Joe's Garage flashback.

[@mackcollier8284]

You'll love it, its a way of life. 50$ bucks please.

[@peterkuchenbrod5696]

Another band that I associate with early Hamer guitars is Rockpile. Billy Bremner played a Sunburst, and Nick Lowe played an 8-string bass that became very much identified with him.

[@roypalfrey5694]

Billy's Sunburst was, I believe, one of a pair of prototypes. They had a slightly different headstock from subsequent models. Dave Edmunds owned the other one. One of my biggest regrets (especially as a long time Rockpile freak) was not buying Dave's Hamer when he was selling it through Chandler Guitars in Kew (London) in about 1984. I was having a custom Schecter put together by Chandlers and my money was tied up in that but at least I had a little plink-a-plonk on it. As you say, Nick's 8-string had some thump to it and along with Terry Williams they could pin you to the wall......sorry! I'm getting overwhelming nostalgia for the lost optimism of youth.

[@senorsalami]

got a Hamer and love it, we used to play Hamer and Kramer's back in the 80's , quality guitarw

[@terryjohinke8065]

I grew up playing Vintage guitars without knowing it. As I was always called upon to be the main singer I said; " I can't play without a guitar to hide behind." So I got to play early Epiphones, An SG ( 1969) Les Paul Jr, A Mustang because , simply we couldn't afford anything else. Anyway those guitars SANG and grew into mu lust for guitars. In the 80s I played an Ibaanez Artist, Gibson L-6s ( as used b keith Ricahards at the time), Yamaha SGs, a now vintage Telecaster and a 67 Fender twin with JBLs. I had a Japanese Epiphone as good as a J- 45. It was because we were dirt poor and these were bargains, hence we bought them and played them. A good era where 2nd hand guitars and amps were great and low priced. Their all " VINTAGE" now and my guitar gently weeps.

[@adamwatson6916]

I can't fathom someone sending Gibson their late 50s or early 60s Gibson and telling them remove these old PAFs and replace them with those new T top humbuckers . Unless the pickups were shot of Course . They devalued those guitars big time but of course that wasn't thought about or even known at the time.

[@bobshaw2232]

wish i still have my Hamer vector KK, signature guitar for kk downing

[@jacksonmarshallkramer5087]

Rick Nielsen pulls out that Explorer for Mark Greasy and he was on the phone to the Gibson attorneys five minutes later.

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

🤣🤣

[@talltim9579]

Great overview and learned a lot. Still have my 78 Sunburst, but alas not the original pickups (sad face). Always prefer it when recording leads.

[@ripplewine6112]

Such an amazing job. You have truly created something special

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

Thanks! I really appreciate the kind words. It was a labor of love and I'm glad people are digging it. Stick around for more episodes.

[@chrisetzler2384]

My 1980 Special in candy apple green is amazing. Super resonant, great neck, and those Dimarzio pups rip!

[@che2335]

I got a sunburst arch top i like alot its more comfy than my LP

[@spodey8484]

This is first class work - thank you very much to you and the contributors!

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

Thanks! I really appreciate the kind words. The creators who graciously shared their content for me to use in this video can't be thanked enough. A couple have even agreed to produce new content for part 2.

[@rollerdragon]

dude... this is awesome!! i see the level of work that went into this! i'd LOVE to hear the history of B.C. Rich [to mention a chaotic contemporary!]

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

Thank you for the kind words. It's good that this project is being enjoyed by folks like myself who were always curious to know more about these smaller brands. B.C. Rich would be amazing as a follow-up to this one, as well as Dean and DiMarzio. The 70s had some incredible people involved in guitars back then.

[@adamwatson6916]

The reason you could walk into a shop in 1963 and 64 and buy a brand new Exploerer was because in 1963/64 Gibson still had left over 1958 explorer bodies and decided to finish them and ship them just to get rid of them . The bodies and necks were made in 1958 and Gibson added early 60s hardware pickups and wiring . Those 1958/1963 explorers all had 1958 serial numbers but had early Patent Number pickups and 60s pots and wiring. Some had Chrome hardware some had Nickel hardware and some had a combination of the 2 because in the 1963/64 period Gibson was transitioning from nickel hardware to chrome hardware. Gibson shipped 19 explorers in 1958 then in 1963/64 shipped another 20 or so from the left over bodies from 1958.

[@johngerson7335]

Just... wow! And thank you, really looking forward to Pt. 2! Also, have owned and sold a good number of Hamers, and truly wish that l still owned every one I've ever sold. Keep rockin' ya'll!

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

Thanks! I appreciate the kind words. More episodes coming!

[@frettingitforward]

Great stuff fellas’ Dig all that history 📚😮

[@bryancollins6796]

Great story. Well presented.

[@gph2193]

My studio archtop has a life tone and a neck that is perfect 35 years after it came home. Still a gorgeous dclp.

[@finnmcginn9931]

16:46 that ad is incredible.

[@peterolson5232]

And Dean was making identical spec Vs and Zs with DiMarzio PUPs at exactly the same time - and both companies claiming to be the ultimate electric guitar

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

Dean started a little after Hamer and was very "inspired" by what Hamer was doing. Those guys all knew each other as they were all from the Chicago area. Thanks for watching.

[@schlep4730]

Thumbs up, Hamer made great guitars !

[@michaelr.4878]

While I have never played one, the original Hamer Standards are some of the best looking guitars I have ever seen. The tops on those guitars almost look too good to be true...but they definitely are true. hehe. People who have them swear by them.

[@babagadoush1]

Always wondered about the backstory. Cool

[@stratcat9432]

This doc is so good! What a 4th of July treat! Thank you so much for this, and i can't wait for Part 2! Excuse me, the wife is yelling at me to start the grill and begin our Independence Day fun! 😂😂😂

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

Thank you for the kind words. I really appreciate it. Apologies to your wife, now and when Part 2 comes out. 😁

[@kelsawyers3597]

Rick from cheap trick still use lita ford still has her two

[@finnmcginn9931]

Great doc

[@barbaraanneneale3674]

I can vouch for her this. I bought the guitar or rather the babes of my dreams, 1975 precision. I thought it was the best thing I could buy. But no matter how hard I tried, I could not make it sound the way I wanted it to. I fought it for years. And finally smashed it against a tree stump. I found a Japanese guitar at a quarter of the price I paid for the Fender. That sounded exactly the way I wanted it to. I do not want to buy foreign p***, but they made a better quality instrument. At the time.

[@Tonedefy]

I have a much cherished Hamer Artist Custom. The best sounding/playing guitar in my 30 guitar stable.

[@jerrywatt6813]

As a kid here in LA in the late 60's early 70's i started wheeling and dealing in vintage guitars gibsons and fenders it was still pretty cheep for a kid still living at home because my hands were not large i nded up playing PRS guitars pretty early bevause the necks were easy for me in 24 fret models to shread on but the Hamers were just comeing in then but as nice as they were i couldent get around the wide necks but they were beautiful and made with care and attention to details !

[@bryanfrombuffalo7685]

I have avg hands and I never liked the feel and the necks ...I don't think k they were great ...

[@michaelstram]

Craig was making pickups last I remember , I think he bought the old lace sensor patents...chicago guitar pickups I think!

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

Interesting, I need to get in contact with him. I don't think anyone has ever talked him about his involvement with Northern Prairie. Thanks!

[@vinceblak4425]

i know they focused on the early years but I wish they would have mentioned guys like Mick Mars and others who carried the torch in the 80's

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

More episodes are coming. It is part one, after all.

[@vinceblak4425]

@@SapulpaGuitarAcademy I get that now and I obviously jumped the gun. I just got amped up because Mick was the reason I bought my first guitar, a Hamer, simply because he played one. Bought a Hamer even before I bought my first Les Paul because of Ace which is saying a lot for me

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

No worries. Thanks for watching! I appreciate ya.

[@WakadooPlaypen]

In the very early 80's Hamer made a couple of A7's for Andy Summers, who apparently only wanted one of them, through my friend I was able to buy the other one. I still have it, one of the best R&R gtrs ever though slightly heavy. I used it with an early midi system (still have the 24pin cable) it worked well but was clunky (unreliable) at times.

[@jessehutchings]

Imagine being able to get your gear repaired, no matter the brand or model, at a local music shop in one week

[@davidjonorato3554]

Nice job 👍

[@marshallposey7842]

I remember watching Tom Petterson and Jon Brandt rocking their Hamer basses. Badass.

[@marshallposey7842]

Also Pete Comita.

[@grogthegrolie]

Brant 🤪

[@grogthegrolie]

Petersson 🥳

[@AceGibson1959]

I had two USA Hamer's BITD. Great guitars. I wish I still had them. Like an idiot I sold them for cheap.

[@thomasmorris2245]

I got lucky and bought a brand new one at a School Band Store - and still have it

[@DrTomoculus]

It took me a minute to realise Tom Petersson was playing Within You Without You. :D

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

🤫 😉 Thanks for watching!

[@DrTomoculus]

@@SapulpaGuitarAcademy And a nice shout out to KING'S X as well!!! You're welcome

[@DrTomoculus]

@@SapulpaGuitarAcademy I also recently acquired a Hamer XT, that's why I'm watching to educate myself ;)

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

King's X is one of my all-time favorites. Going to try and get Dug for part 2. Wish me luck. 🤞

[@DrTomoculus]

@@SapulpaGuitarAcademy In 1988, I discovered the greatest band in the world ;) All the luck to you!

[@Mike_Hunt_69]

Had a HAMER Diablo HSS with a Floyd on it. Loved that. Sadly it was stolen

[@DavidLee07]

Great documentary! I have one of the Indonesian Hamer Standards (updated with Dimarzio PAFs to be more period correct), but the closest I have is a Greco 1979 Standard copy. Always wanted one when I was a kid!

[@auntjenifer7774]

😮 I have been. Searching for the past 4 years for an Indonesia world factory 2017 Hamer standard Explorer shape! I found one on ebay, 2017 model, decent flame and only 300$ so I paid and waited and waited and waited and the ebay seller listed it again and on other sites and I was freaking out. I said to the shop "what's going on here, I just paid for this guitar you re listed it, what is going on" and he says "your guitar is being finished up and will be ready to ship soon" and I was like 😢 " No sir, I only want a 2017 made in Indonesia world factory Hamer licensed guitar with the serial number that is on the pictures of the ad I bought from you" and guess what !? It's a Chinese copy variety factory that put the real first guitar on the ad abs planned on sending me their cheap copy😢 I was so disappointed with that situation I just asked him to Cancel my order if they plan on sending any thing other than that guitar in the first picture. I still really really want the guitar you have but I had to settle on a Dean Explorer, which is very nice but the body and neck is thicker on the Hamer, that's why I wanted Hamer but I love my Deans and won't buy a new gibson again thane to dean guitars !