Newport 90 body construction?

[Pumpkinhead]

Hello from the UK. This is my first post so I'm sorry that it's a bit of a vague question.

I'm interested in buying a Hamer Newport 90 that I've seen for sale. We don't see many Hamers over here (I've never played one!) which is a pity. Unfortunately it would have to be "sight unseen".

I'm confused over the Newport 90's construction. I've seen pictures showing that the "regular" Newport is carved out of a solid block of mahogany which has a center "block" left in (looks like more of a box). This extends from the back of the guitar as far as the bridge (the bridge studs and bigsby or stoptail all mount on this box).

However, according to the Hamer website, the Newport 90 body is "Mahogany w/ center block". I've also noticed that the back of the body is also bound, unlike the regular Newports. I therefore guess that the construction is more akin to an ES335, i.e. a solid block running through a laminated body.

The chap at the store said that the block appears solid when looking through the bass F-hole, but that there appears to be a gap between the pickups when looking through the treble F-hole.

So I'm guessing that the "block" on the 90 is some sort of asymmetrical thing and that the body is not carved from a solid piece of mahogany.

Can any one confirm or deny this?

Any other thoughts about the Newport 90 would be appreciated too. It doesn't appear to be the most popular guitar ever so there's not a huge amount of information out there (no YouTube demos or Harmony Central Reviews). I suppose I can't quite see it's reason for existing, given that the regular Newport is effectively a P90 guitar, with the Duncan Phat Cats. Is it just a lower-spec model?

Anyway, hello once again and sorry for the long first post!

Regards

Brendan

[Sam]

Hey PH - the 90 does indeed have a solid centerblock. Like all mahogany backed Newports the body is machined from a single slab of wood. The binding on the back is simply a visual touch (binding wasn't applied to some of the earlier 90s). It's the same kind of construction as the Gibson CS-336.

edit:

I suppose I can't quite see it's reason for existing, given that the regular Newport is effectively a P90 guitar, with the Duncan Phat Cats. Is it just a lower-spec model?

It's not a lower-spec model - it retailed for the same price as the regular Newport. The wraptail, solid centerblock and regular p-90s add up to a very different guitar in my view.

Badger Dave has one - perhaps he'll chime in.

BTW, Welcome to the HFC.

[Pumpkinhead]

Thanks for the welcome Sam and thanks for the information.

I suppose I was intrigued by the idea of something more hollow than an ES335, like the regular Newport. I have a Les Paul with P90s and I think the idea of that sound with a bit more "air" and less of the Goldtop's compressed mids would sound great!

I'd like something a bit more Gretsch/ES330-like as I'm more into jangly/retro tones at the moment.

I already have a P90 Historic LP (as above), a Gretsch Jet (Filtertrons) and a nice 335 copy (Tokai ES120 with Seth Lovers) in the collection and it might be that the Newport isn't bringing anything radically different to the table. Not that that stops me wanting one

It might be that I'm better looking at something like an Elitist Casino or saving a bit (OK a lot) more for an ES330.

Thanks again.

[Sam]

I'd like something a bit more Gretsch/ES330-like as I'm more into jangly/retro tones at the moment.

I've got a Power Jet, and I've gotta say that my Newport nails that cool twangy retro vibe slightly better than the Gretsch!

I'm in Oz and import all USA guitars directly from the States - I'd personally keep an eye on American ebay and have a regular Newport with Phat Cats shipped out to blighty. VAT can't be that bad...

Here's mine:

[Pumpkinhead]

I'm in Oz and import all USA guitars directly from the States - I'd personally keep an eye on American ebay and have a regular Newport with Phat Cats shipped out to blighty. VAT can't be that bad...

Absolutely stunning photo there Sam!

No doubt then you're someone else who weeps at how cheap guitars are in the US?

I suppose I could go down he import route - I bought a PRS McCarty and my other Historic LP that way. Generally you need to add approx. 25% to the combined guitar & shipping cost. Trouble is that since the £ slipped in value against everything, the savings are not as great as they were.

To be honest, I hadn't even considered Hamers until I saw this Newport 90 (sorry folks). It's available at a reasonable price for a US-made instrument of this quality. It's very plain looking (though I like that) and there's some light wear to the back, so maybe it's not what people are looking for.

[GaryT]

All the Newports are Hollow bodys not Semi-Hollow. And the description about the open area between pick-ups is correct. It opens up the guitar more and thus projects better, has a more Airy, Woody Tone.

Buying a Hamer On-Line is a sure-shot. I wouldn't worry about any factory QC issues. As you would have to be concerned with when purchasing Production Line electrics. Any issue I have seen on Hamers when bought used, have been the result of someone other than Hamer working on the guitar. Or a lack of caring for the guitar properly or Neglect.

They are Very Good sounding electrics and of Highest Crafted USA Quality. I've searched around for other Hollow and Semi's over the years. The Newport stuck for sure. I started with a Spruce Top, Mahogany Body and it was a great guitar. I just prefer the Maple body and am very happy with the Newport I play now.

As far as Construction and Binding? The 90 comes in either Single or Double Bound. [bTW.......Theres a 90 on the For-Sale section also]. But the Carved Bodys are not a particular design for any one particular Newport. All the bodys are done that way on the Newports. The bodys also may be Center seamed on the back and the top. The appointments may vary from one Newport to another. I've seen "more" single bound Newports than Doubel-Bound for sure. But that not changing anything on the actual design. Its just an added appointment. If you search here for the "Hamer Appreciation Thread". You'll get a Great idea of "just" how different the appointments can be on the Newports. Keeping in mind that the basic design to the neck and body is the same.

I Love mine and its pretty safe to say it will be with me from Now-On. My original Newport made me realize I was wasting time with the ES-Series. This Maple body Newport [i now play] brought me to exactly the Tonal spectrum I desired and missed in my first Newport.

Something you might want to consider with the Newport? Is what your actual intentions are for playing it. If your Home playing and noodling around. And your a casual player like so-many of us. Then the guitar is simply PERFECT. You won't find a better playing/sounding electric of similar design in its price range. Or for an added $1G. Can't be done. You may find a one in a million Ibanez or Yamaha etc. Or find a lower budget Memphis Gibson ES. But it won't be of Hamer quality.

If you are playing at higher volumes and need the guitar to perform spot-on. You may want to think about feedback, and the other issue is the Bass with a Spuce Top at higher Volume. The maple will be different with the Bass but you will still need to be aware of the Feedback. I don't knao what your situation is or if you are familiar with Semis and Hollows, so I make mention of this

I've owned and played several Semis and Hollows. They all have this problem. The difference is in degree not kind. I used a ES-335 and a ES-135 Stop-Tail at the same time for years. The 135 was much worse with feedback. The 335 is about the same maybe a bit better. But they will feedback. I used a Schecter C/SH-1 totally upgraded for a spell also. It a Hollow design with a space between humbuckers. Again the guitar would begin to spiral out of control if you didn't watch it. This is inherit problem with this design that was somewhat corrected with the Semi design, but not eliminated. I've heard of others that do "not" have this issue? I haven't "NOT" played one yet.

Simply put I don't believe you could beat the bang for buck with HAMER. One day in the future these guitars will be just as much in demand and of Value as Vintage Gibsons, Fenders and others. If not "MORE". These are the VINTAGE electrics of the furure. I realize theres an uncertainty in choosing what will become of value in the future? These are a "safe" bet for sure. And will bring you Years of enjoymeny in the meantime. IMHO they are ALREADY on their way to becoming the future Vintage Electrics.

I seriously like the Newport 90 with the Compensated bridge and Double Bound body. I believe its a close to perfect design. A Maple Top to go with that would be a Home Run IMHO.

You hear from others here about that design. I guess what I'm really trying to get across? The specs, appointments, and Quality Control and Craftsnmanship are darn near a Give-In with Hamer. Really the only question then becomes, Is this design, being Hollow, of a larger body, and with it appointments.........What you are really looking for or a food fit for what you are doing musically and the venues you are playing?

Can you tell I LOVE this design!!

BTW the Newport was the FIRST electric to achieve a 5-Strar rating in the Guitar Player magazine, EDITORS PICK AWARD. Pretty high accomplishment.

Great Guitar, Grab that one!!!!!

BTW hopefully you'll hear from some the of the other guys who are really more educated on this topic and actually work with Hamer. I know I flood Bob and Dave and others with Newport question when they take a moment to hang out. I may be slightly off in one area or another. Not by much though, one thing is certain. I'm a LARGE fan of this model. And been playing for 43 years this year. So I been at this a bit.

[Pumpkinhead]

Many thanks for such a comprehensive reply Gary!

It's nice to see that the double-bound body is not an indicator of different construction methods/materials as I'd thought it might be.

All the Newports are Hollow bodys not Semi-Hollow. And the description about the open area between pick-ups is correct. It opens up the guitar more and thus projects better, has a more Airy, Woody Tone.

I am still a bit confused here. The guy in the shop said that there was definitely a solid block of wood running through the length of the body when viewed through the bass f-hole, and definitely a gap between the pickups when looking through the treble f-hole!

Given this, I suppose it's 50% semi-solid and 50% hollow - confusing.

It's definitely for home use and recording, rather than any gigs - I'd use a Squier or something I wasn't fussy about if I went to a local jam and I'm unlikely to be playing in a band again.

This Newport 90 has the wrapover tailpiece so it sounds like I might need to upgrade that to a compensated one?

out of interest, could you say what it is that the maple body gives you that the mahogany didn't? I assume that the maple would be brighter, with a bit more "snap"? I suppose I was concerned that the spruce/mahaogany might be a bit dark sounding but was thinking that maybe the P90s brightened up this combination a little?

Thanks again for indulging me with this one. I had originally intended the cash to go on a new amp but had the sudden realisation that I wouldn't plug it in very much as I tend to use a PODxt! On the few times I need to be a bit louder I use a wee Super Champ XD and that sounds OK for a cheap amp to me.

[GaryT]

If their is a isolated chamer on the left wing and a isolated chamber on the right wing. With a seperation between the two with the air unable to move freely between the two? Then its a Semi Hollow design.

When both chambers are allowing the air to flow freely between each other? Its a Hollow body design. Thats what happens with the Newport design.

A compensated bridge is a Wrap-Around. Its a very old design that first appeared on the Gibson Les-Paul. Jeff Becks 54 LP had a Wrap Tail, Then on many Student Gibsons. Not that important to alter a guitar though. IMO. Many prefer the Wrap-Around due to ite better sustain. I like it, though I certainly wouldn't alter my guitar to achieve it or lose sleep over it. If the guiat intonated properly which the Hamer will. Then I would leave it be. That was the real issue with that design and individual saddles adjustment. Many aftermarket bridges are designed to address that issue.

The inside of a Newport is achieved by a CNC machine. Its not wood pieces glued together. Go to Hamers actual web sight. there are several photos of the inside of many different Hamers. It will give you an idea of what they look like inside. The inside are "finished" wood.

This can't be achieved with a 335. Because its Laminated the block isn't nor can it be laminated. Thus the guitar is pieced together. You need solid wood to achor the Tail/bridge and neck

Tone? Maple places more emphasi on the Higher freq. Mahogany of the mid and lower. My neck is Mahogany.

That Newport 90 as its built should be a serious Rock and Blues machine. No-Doubt.

Just think, If you by the Hamer? Then you can come hang out with me. That alone is worth the price of addmission! LOL.

[Pumpkinhead]

That Newport 90 as its built should be a serious Rock and Blues machine. No-Doubt.

Just think, If you by the Hamer? Then you can come hang out with me. That alone is worth the price of addmission! LOL.

Thanks for the invite Gary

However, I'm still mulling it over. If it were a regular Newport I'd have definitely pulled the trigger by now. As it is, I'm still uncertain. The different, less-hollow construction and the Duncan P90s are an unknown quanity. I'm worried when I read that they're quite "hot" pickups and that's not really what I'm after at all.

As I've said, we don't see many Hamers over here so I've nothing really to compare it with.

Thanks again for your thoughts.

[anotherfreak]

Wouldn't there need to be more wood inside the Newport 90 to mount the P90's to?

I know the Newport Pro and the Newport use ring-mounted pickups, but P90's by design mount into the wood underneath.

I would love to see the inside route for the Newport P90 just for giggles, and it would sure solve any doubts I know there are pics of the other newports, but is there any of the P90?

[veatch]

I thought we had an inside look at a Newport before, but i can't seem to find it in the searches. Anyone know where it is?

[cmatthes]

Regular Newport body:

[Pumpkinhead]

Wouldn't there need to be more wood inside the Newport 90 to mount the P90's to?

I know the Newport Pro and the Newport use ring-mounted pickups, but P90's by design mount into the wood underneath.

I would love to see the inside route for the Newport P90 just for giggles, and it would sure solve any doubts I know there are pics of the other newports, but is there any of the P90?

Good point and one that I hadn't considered!

Presumably there needs to be more wood in that center block to screw the P90s into.

I was trying to get my head round how the block would be shaped to appear solid from one side and yet have a gap from the other.

This is all I can think of:

i.e. the red/white striped bits are possibly solid in the Newport 90.

Total speculation of course.

[anotherfreak]

I don't think it needs the tail section filled in, the mounting studs for the wraparound would go where the normal mounting position. What I am curious about is where the pickups would mount. That would fill up the center from the bridge to the neck pocket.

[3of5]

It might be that I'm better looking at something like an Elitist Casino or saving a bit (OK a lot) more for an ES330.

I own both a Newport and an Elitist Casino. You can't go wrong either way. My Elitist Casino is just as flawless as my Newport. Both sound fabulous. I would say don't spend the extra money on an ES 330, as I believe you would be getting a lessor guitar than the Elitist Casino.

Comparing the Elitist Casino with the Newport:

Casino has a narrower and thinner neck (bit like my CBS Strat).

Casino is Lighter weight by about 1 pound.

Casino is larger.

Casino is difficult to reach above 19th fret.

Casino feedbacks easier.

Casino has, a nicer, more acoustic sound at clean amp settings and works great for Jazz.

Casino has been played by lots of famous guitarists.

Newport covers part of the same ground as the Casino but also gets some brighter Thinline Tele sounds.

Newport I think has more versatility then the Casino as it is better at distorted sounds.

Newport has much better sustain than the Casino.

Newport has a cool tremolo.

Newport has a fatter neck.

Newport has much easier access to upper frets.

Newport is played by HFCers.

Both are totally cool, totally kick-ass. Either way, enjoy! Or better yet buy both for the price of that ES 330.

Edited to note: Of the guitars I own these are the two I will never part with.

[atquinn]

I don't think it needs the tail section filled in, the mounting studs for the wraparound would go where the normal mounting position. What I am curious about is where the pickups would mount. That would fill up the center from the bridge to the neck pocket.

Yes. I had always gotten the impression that the Newport P90 had a different internal construction from the other Newports. Not sure exactly where I picked the idea up, but as you point out, it would have to in order to be able to mount the P90's.

-

Austin

[Pumpkinhead]

I used the contact details on the Hamer web page to ask the same question.

They've just replied with this:

Brendan,

It's semi-hollow, but not like a 335. There is a block running under the pickups, but since the block is integral with the back, there has to be a way to run wires and also connect the chambers.

Not too comprehensive but it ties in with what people have been saying here - solid carved back with integral block.

I'm not really sure quite why I've got so obsessed with this! I suppose I've always hankered after a hollow(ish) body since I sold my Guild X-170 a few years ago so that's why I'm probably hung up on this whole "degree of hollowness" thing.

I'm not really after a big ol' jazzbox though, just something different from the stuff I've got already. I suppose my idea is something that will sound good for retro jangly/indie/power pop doing clean into crunchy tones. 3of5s review of the Elitist Casino has got me thinking about those again as I could get a new one for less than the used Hamer. Definitely a step down in terms of quality and without the chunkier neck that I tend to prefer.

(Just for info, I have a nice 335 copy (Japanese Tokai) that's got Seth Lovers in it and I also quite like my stock Gretsch Firebird Jet. My other guitars are Strats a Tele, 2xLes Pauls (1 with P90s) and a McCarty.)

This particular Newport 90 is a pretty austere-looking thing - no fancy tops or other "bling" here. I still think it looks rather saucy though:

Anyway, I suppose I just need to make a decision, stick with it and shut up! Buying sight unseen is always a risk but a used Hamer seems like a lot of guitar for the money!

[Sam]

Natural on the 90s is very rare. I'd snap that baby up...

edit - just over a grand. Nice price for blighty!

[Pumpkinhead]

Natural on the 90s is very rare. I'd snap that baby up...

edit - just over a grand. Nice price for blighty!

Yup. As it is, I'd be pushing the boat out as far as affording it goes but, as we don't see too many of 'em over here, it's a real temptation!

[Pumpkinhead]

Thanks again for everyone's help on this.

After doing more research, I've decided to leave the guitar as there are too many "unknowns" for me to buy sight-unseen.

As well as the more solid body construction, I've been concerned to read that the Duncan P90s might be pretty hot and that's not what I'm after.

I'd like something more in the twangy/jangly (twangly?) sound camp and it sounds like the more hollow, regular Newport with Phat Cats would get me closer to that sound.

Of course these seldom turn up in the UK so that would probably mean trying to persuade someone on US ebay to ship to the UK - not easy

In the meantime, I seem to have fallen for a Rickenbacker 330 I've seen!

Anyway, thanks again for the thoughts and advice. I appreciate it.