Steve Haynie

Been there. I wish the best for both of you.

The HFC was around about six months before I found it. I got my computer in March 1997 and Internet access a month later. It was late 1997 when I found the HFC.

To four of you I say, "Happy Birthday!" To the other two, who shall go nameless, where have you been lately?

Vernon Reid was at either the first or second HFC open house event. He was quiet, but he did stand with everyone else and spoke with anyone who approached him.

We are just waking up over here. Have you been having birthday parties all day? Happy Birthday!

Ok, but by that rational, Victory inlays would spread it out into at least three different directions, making for a very weak, flat sound. That is only for the upward vibration. If you look at the victories you will see that they act as funnel for the downward vibration to create a stronger tonal integrity.

Dots have a more rounded tone than crowns.

Any other guesses as to why there will be no more crowns?

Let me guess... Fender does not want to be responsible for guitars that have an inlay pattern that is virtually exclusive to Gibson.

It would be easy for Wolfgang to to move the bass parts off by one fret. They are not that complicated. He may have caught the synth track being off key and compensated quickly.

The original "Lenny" guitar was bought for $350! It is an omen!

Bill Kaman knew what Hamer was when he was running the company. Too bad he retired.

While everyone is worried about quality control and increased output... Are Californians crap? How about Steve Stevens models and Chaparrals? They were all made in Arlington Heights when the production was about 80 guitars a week. Hamer is definitely at its highest point in quality, but they were able to put out some great stuff when they had to "crank out" quantity.

Just a thought... A 50% interest in Guitar Center was sold to investors in 1998 for $126,000,000.00. That was a network of 18 retail stores. Kaman's music division is sold in 2007/2008 for $117,000,000.00.

Pre-Fender? Watch out for who is making the guitars rather than who pays them. If the same crew is working for Hamer under Fender ownership we have nothing to worry about.

Fender does not own the Fender Discussion Page, and if you look through the FAQ's there is an explanation of the relationship between Fender and the owner of the site. I think Ted and the rest of us are going to be safe.

What is the general opinion of the Benedetto guitars made under Fender's ownership? That would be an example of a small shop with a hefty reputation to live up to.

I knew you were going to say something about changing Hamer's headstock shape!

Jol seems to be blogging regularly lately, so we can watch for his comments. There is no need to worry as long as the same crew of guys is kept in the Hamer shop. Unless Fender has cheaper overhead in California, they are not likely to move the Ovation factory. Hamer will likely stay put where it is with the same people.

The starting price is less than dealer cost ever was for a korina Vector.

Hamer will not make a checkerboard guitar for ANYONE except Rick Nielsen. There were a few done in the early to mid 80's that Rick allowed, and one in the past year that was made for a charity raffle. I am one of those people willing to bet that the Special in question has an original finish. I swear I heard that there was a Special out there somewhere. I am also glad the guitar went to an HFC member rather than someone buying it solely for the Cheap Trick connection knowing that the line between the two is kind of blurry already.

The BIN price on that one was such a good deal that you will not lose money on that guitar if you decide you do not like it.

A new, but lesser known discovery: Iron Savior They are a heavy metal band from Germany, but they have a real singer instead of Cookie Monster with a mic. If you like recent Judas Priest you will like Iron Savior.

If the guy is really good when he is on top of his game, have the talk with him. If he can be replaced within a few months, cancel some shows and be honest with your clients. Booking shows is about business, yours and the club's. If you do not provide a good show, you lose gigs. If the club does not get a good show, it loses customers. Remind the people who book your band you are aware that your performance affects their businesses.

The Monaco Elite is smaller than the other Monaco models and comes closest to a Les Paul in size and design. The body thickness and single cutaway are part of what sets apart the Les Paul from other set-neck solid bodies. As everyone else here has mentioned, the sound can vary. Atlanta Rhythm Section never got the same tone as Ace Frehley, but they all played Les Pauls. Les Paul himself sounds different from everyone else who plays his namesake guitar.