Iteresting about the older Hamers not having character. I had a '96 Studio that I didn't really like much.....I want to try some new Hamers. Now, I do have a few PRS guitars all post 2000 and love em to death. My favorite PRS is about 5 years old. Your thoughts give me hope on a new Hamer Monaco Elite! Out with the old - in with the new.
It all comes down to personal preference. Hamers and PRSi are both wonderful guitars! I personally bond more with a PRS because the neck and fretboard radius works with me better than the Hamer but I still love Hamers.