ArnieZ

Those would have looked great on # 60! arniez

The # of coats was not material to the thickness which was sanded back and leveled multiple times. The finish was remarkably thin and glossy I don't know Mike's specific protocol, but the guy who painted at Hamer does mikes finish work ArnieZ

How about some HOLY SHIT !! ArnieZ

I'll be,even more excited for you after mine is done😀

Rounding very nicely into shape!! ArnieZ

Who's Poe?...........ducks his head and runs for cover

What does that even mean? ArnieZ

not a big fan of maple necks personally, but the way those 3 pieces are matched is incredible!! ArnieZ

Very happy with my choice ArnieZ

Something in that group looks familiar arniez

Truly, a master at work!! arniez

Every time I see a new post in this thread I'm thinking it may be another Shishkov reveal. Not quite as interested in rolling pins. You guys need to quit getting me excited ArnieZ

I'm really glad you guys are all enjoying your Ultimate fix. Now let Mike finish these so he has to get busy with a fix for me! arniez

Have a great day!! arniez

Chris, like I told you before I am already in CT but my time is limited, be patient ArnieZ

I already know what I want to order, so when the speculation and initial interest wanes, I will order my Shishkov, and it will be spectacular! ArnieZ

Congratulations MIke! I want to be in but realistically, the Standard shape is not for me! If I got one I would just end up trying to flip it for profit. I'll leave this for the guys here who really want an Ultimate. If you offer a a similar intro on a double you can count me in now! ArnieZ

Happy Birthday yous all!!!!! ArnieZ

That is one beautiful guitar and a piece of history to boot! Play the hell out of it and Enjoy! arniez

Read the other thread first and didn't realize the whole place was done,wow! Sorry for all you guys that are now going to be looking for work! The end of a chapter, I took many a trip to New Hartford, always with a smile on my face looking forward to the visit. ArnieZ

Sad News indeed. The company loses a highly skilled luthier and your colleagues lose your knowledge and friendship at work. I wish you only the best in your future pusuits. I have the pleasure of looking at my Ultimate to remind me of your craftsmanship daily! ArnieZ

Just read this thread and I feel like a fool for wasting all my hard earned money on USA Hamers. In all sincerity, do you really think that the labor differential is the difference between a several hundred dollar vs several thousand dollar guitar? Forget the facts and the corroboration, if you can convince yourself that an import is almost the equal of a USA Hamer, that's what you should play. I have a very well informed sense of value as well as appreciation for it. It is immediately and undeniably apparent to me that there are significant differences.YMMV best of luck with your choice. ArnieZ

The essence of this thread is what drew me to Hamer, which is quality components, wood, and craftsmanship yielding a great instrument. Not to mention at largely a fair price. The rest of the discussion holds true to almost any enthusiast group be it cars, cameras, Hi Fi etc. It has always been the case that at a certain point the cost becomes disproportionate to the improvement. Where you set that bar can become subjective and also a function of how deep your pockets are. People have their individual tastes and agendas for what they buy and what they bring to gigs. Uncle Greg takes his Schecter to his gigs but has spoken to me about how fine the Hubers are, and he was sincere. Different strokes for different folks, but if it's customization or the best of the best, you gotta be willing to pay the price. Only the individual can decide if it's worth it. ArnieZ

There are accidents that occur which results in an outstanding instrument made from inferior parts and woods as well as high quality parts, woods and luthiery that yield a dog. In the grand scheme of things quality ingredients and crafsmanship are more likely to yield a quality instrument. ArnieZ

I got this! PRS DGT liking it quite a bit ArnieZ