ArnieZ

Saddened of course, but don't really understand the rationale. What could Hamer really cost FMIC. They don't market it, They really only build it in their spare time. I don't see where there is any huge demand for Guild. Are they looking to build more Guild electrics? Or are they just going to shut down New Hartford altogether? ArnieZ

Anybody know if those Midtowns have laminated rosewood boards or solid? ArnieZ

Enjoy! Always cool to get something you've been lusting for ArnieZ

Love the pics, not a great closure. Not surprised it got infected but SO glad to hear you're doing well!! ArnieZ

Nice ! I'm starting to get Super Gas now myself ArnieZ

Wow! Get well soon!! sounds like your outcome may be ok! keep wigglin those toes ArnieZ

50 years? More than likely I'll be dead! I think Ben was making a reference to age ArnieZ

I'm thinking this deserves at least an honorable mention! ArnieZ

Congratulations Brian, the best to you both!! ArnieZ

Pretty speechless, that is just drop dead gorgeous ! Enjoy Arniez

"It just bothers me out of the principle of fairness." I agree with Kiz, but acknowledge the fact that very few things are ever fair. This is the way it has always been at Hamer and the other manufacturers. It doesn't surprise me that this hasn't changed just because Hamer is now very limited in production and time allowance for production. They recently did a guitar for Jeff Golub as well. As much as I love my Hamers, I don't see ordering one unless the used prices magically come in line with the new. ArnieZ

Enjoy!! ArnieZ

More than fair, I'd call it a bargain! ArnieZ

Murkat continues to impress.....bigtime! ArnieZ

Tough way to start the year, sorry for your loss! ArnieZ

Here is the isolated guitar track to "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" http://youtu.be/t2enJ7YJyAI Very tasteful playing within the context of the song JMO of course ArnieZ

I'll get in line for that myself, makes me 4th I believe ArnieZ

The Ultimate pick ups defnitely have a single coil like clarity, but sound like buckers as you add gain. They are potted, unlike the Seths, and that has an impact as well. I really haven't tried to adjust them, a combination of laziness and satisfaction. Enjoy you new guitar!! ArnieZ

Impressed, to say the LEAST! Congratulations to Sean and you!! ArnieZ

Thanks for the suggestions so far, I'm getting an edumacation! Never knew the difference between an ABR1 and the other one Nashville? Lot to think about here. How would I know if the BB1's would be the ones I am looking for? ArnieZ

So you had to ask the tough question . As I said in the OP I really thought the stock guitar sounded great, but I had to have those Phat Cats. The Newport is my most hollow guitar and I'd like to make the most of that. I did own a 335 dot reissue for a while concurrently, but that was a different animal. Ultimately,since I don't play so well, I'm looking for something different to quell GAS. If TV jones pups would drop in there I'd sure give that a try but don't want to mod the guitar. How's that for a vague answer? ArnieZ

I like the Seth's as well! I don't want to restrict myself to considering only them. Right now I don't want to spend the $ for new and used don't seem to come up often. ArnieZ

When I got my Newport Pro it was stock with the Seth's but I had to find out about those Phat Cats! The guitar sounded great with the buckers but I thought I wanted something different. I managed to finagle a set of the then unobtanium Phat Cats and droppped them in. I don't know if I ever loved the bridge pup so much but definitely like the neck and the bridge neck combo. I always had in the back of my mind to be able to switch pups out and got this to make it easier. What else besides the Seth's do you guys like in this guitar? Preferably cheaper than the Seth's unless something used shows up! Thanks for the suggestions. ArnieZ

I wouldn't speculate on what they might do. If I was after a piece (I'm not), I'd call Eric and see if you can make a deal. I have always found them to be reasonable. They have a lot of Hamer stuff and I think it's on ebay because they want to move it! ArnieZ

It seems many of the descriptions don't match the guitars ArnieZ