cmatthes

Keep in mind that quote requests and the limited, reduced price offering are two different things. The introductory offer/limited run is for one style, similar guitar for the entire run of instruments. That sold out within a matter of hours. Custom order quotes are more wide open ( within reason, of course!), and are based on Mike's regular pricing structure. Those are not subject to a closed, limited list.

As an update, the initial response far outstripped the available slots for the limited run offer. Once the dust settles a bit and Mike is able to review the orders, he'll contact the first people in line and take their deposits. If somebody doesn't pony up a deposit or if their submitted order goes too far off the basic offered spec, then the next person in line will get the nod. There were over 50 requests for quotes or submissions within the first 12 hours after the site went "live" at Midnight on Thursday (and more after noon today), if that is any indication of the volume Mike is sifting through right now! Thanks for your patience, and you'll be hearing from him shortly... The following message appears on the site now, but not sure if everybody has seen it: ** PLEASE NOTE ** The response to the initial "Ultimate" Model offer has exceeded the available slots for the run. Submissions will be reviewed and responses returned in the order they were received, and places will be held based on timely receipt of Deposits. If slots open up, notification will be given to the next available name on the list, in order. Thanks!

Replied! It is not a Warmoth (they don't do set neck options, and can't make a "Flying V" or other Gibson body style any longer). It's a custom ordered, lightweight body for a set neck, 58 Style Vee. Really a nice body. The plastic and tailpiece are shown for illustrative purposes only and are not included. Tossing in the Schlitz and the Korina blank, and I'd be losing more on the deal than I'd be getting back!

Although it shouldn't need to be said, the aforementioned item is NOT an available option.

This is 100% Mike! Any involvement by others here is purely to support/launch his venture and help him continue to do what he loves to do and does so well.

Geoff: Right now, Mike is working out the custom pickup concept and basic supplier. Obviously, that will be based not only on his vision/hearing and customer inquiry, but also by whatever makes economic sense for him as a builder. I wouldn't rule anything out at this stage, but having you do a video (or videos) would definitely be a cool thing to add as a site feature!

Understood and already assumed as much. Had NO intentions of getting my specs to be considered as options in the Ultimate run. It's still major-league excitement on this end. I've been walking around with a boner all morning. Or I was until I read the no boomerangs clarification. <droop> Who knows...maybe he'll be able to get away with "reverse check marks" or something...

** PLEASE READ THIS!! ** Keep in mind, "The Ultimate" run is for a basic run of "4-Digit" style guitars. This is not intended to be for totally tricked out instruments - the special pricing is geared around Mike's ability to produce a repeatable, basic guitar format, which is the only way that low price will work. Just because there are options in the drop downs for custom quotes does not mean that these will be available on the limited run guitars, and DEFINITELY not at the price point indicated. The idea is to get things going and get some really cool guitars in the hands of players, but not to make every one of these a totally unique custom guitar. There will be some things (finish selection, fingerboard wood, etc.) that may be available as upcharges, but for the people looking for "ultimate multi-ply binding", scale length other than standard, Floyd Rose trems, or names inlaid in the fingerboard - that's not happening at the special run pricing! The regular "Custom Quote" option, at Mike's higher, regular pricing, will apply for anything outside of the basic model. For those who have asked, Sustainblocks and boomerang inlays are NOT available. Sustainblocks supplied by the purchaser could be an option, but boomerangs are a Hamer property.

I think you're good!

I believe that leftys will be easily done.

Keep in mind, you need to contact Mike through the Shishkov site to participate in the Special Offer. Pms or emails via the HFC, Facebook, etc. won't get you in line for "The Ultimate" run.

I'm in for one.

We are pleased to announce that Mike Shishkov, one of the insanely talented builders from Hamer, is officially launching Shishkov Guitars, USA. Mike started a quarter of a century ago in the Arlington Heights shop, and made his way East to New Hartford in the late '90s with the company. With Hamer now a thing of the past, Mike will be hanging out his own shingle and taking on orders for what will simply be the finest custom electric guitars out there. Some of you may have noticed the first ever banner ad here at the HFC. We totally believe in this guy - he is the real deal, and he has been a long time friend and inspiration to us all. Please take some time to check out his site, ask questions, and revel in the knowledge that he'll be building them just as good, if not better, than before! This has been a long time coming, and things are still ramping up, but this could very well be the best news of the year! www.shishkovguitars.com

Okay - I'm bringing back the project purge until I get some of the things I've got going wrapped up. My lack of focus is your gain, and the perfect time to pick up something cool. First on the block... A very lightweight (under 3.5lbs), custom made here in the USA, Swamp Ash Flying Vee body with a light nitro finish. My Korina Vector was the inspiration, but I was originally thinking about trying a single pickup version (a "Vee Jr,"). This can be that, or the traditional two pickup style. I spoke to Jay (Murkat) earlier about making a neck for this one, and he said that he could do that for an incredibly reasonable cost. The neck joint is designed as a long(er) tenon "Gibson" style, but It can always be done "Hamer" style too. The end is intentionally left squared off so that it can be blended properly when the neck is installed. I'm asking $150 for this one, which is considerably less than I paid to have it done. Feel free to ask questions...

Bubs...you were WAY after me in line, pal!

Put that damned cake down, Stike! You've got a Hamer to finish painting for me! :D Have a great day, pal. We'll have to add that to the list of things to celebrate next time you and Betsy break out the Maker's Mark.

'85-early '87. The 3 ways v, the later blade switch...

No - entirely different pickups. The only thing they have in common with the Dimarzio Made Slammer pickups is the name. Don't confuse them...

"Green Ash", is probably what was used. That is more plentiful in Southern US states, so maybe that's where the designation comes from. I'm not familiar with a "Southern Ash" as a species, but am always open to input from somebody who might know. The "Green" ash does not refer to a younger tree or anything, it is similar to White and Red Ash, and I have seen both referred to as "Swamp Ash".

Murkat is spot on with this one. Gotta replace the pot. I had that happen as a kid with my first really good guitar (a Les Paul Custom). Bummed me out for a long time because I didn't know back then that the pot could just be swapped out cheaply. Played it without a functioning tone pot on the neck pickup for a few years!

Depends on the insurer you're talking with. Most general P&C agents that represent insurance companies probably aren't that knowledgeable about higher value musical instruments, and will kick you into another category. I personally don't deal with any direct writing companies, but looking for an agency or program that specializes in MI coverages, will probably be your best bet. Those are agencies that have contracts with insurance carriers (Companies) that have tailored programs to fit very specific niches. Heritage, Clarion and Anderson appear to be doing that pretty well. Those companies won't try to replace your early 4-digit Hamer Standard with a Standard XT.

I'm not familiar with the Anderson Agency (FL), but from a carrier perspective, Hanover isn't a bad company.

Willcutt's been saying that about their huge Hamer stock for almost 3 years now too. One of the big issues facing builders out there right now is that the market for higher end guitars is not doing so well. There is a (rapidly) shrinking market of people with the ability to spend $3-$10k on a new custom guitar when there is a GLUT of other choices out there. FMIC is clearly feeling it...Gibson is feeling it...PRS is feeling it... PRS has already adjusted their brand strategy by focusing on a USA-made "workingman's guitar", just like Mike floated by in that thread from a few months ago. These are guitars that are 100% made in the USA and priced below $1,500. Solid stuff too, from what I've seen locally, and not the (mostly) junk that Gibson puts out under their "Faded" series. Not sure what that means for any future potential for Hamer, but as I understand it, most (if not all) of the stuff that was still in the Hamer part of the New Hartford shop has been either repurposed or moved along to the mothership out west. A current buyer of HAMER Guitars, USA would be buying the name, designs and trade dress. You're most likely not getting any equipment, tooling, parts or partially completed instruments or stock, and there truly is nothing left of the awesome wood stash that was pillaged a few years ago.

The Hamer tooling has already been packed off to Scottsdale.