mrhamerman

I own a '98 Phantom Custom and wondered the same thing when I bought it used in 2001. The two single coil pickups in my guitar are labeled HMR1. I wondered if they were stock, so I called Hamer and asked about HMR1 pickups. I was told they were manufactured by Semour Duncan exclusively for Hamer (i.e. HMR = Hamer) until '93/'94. I asked how four-year-old pickups ('94) ended up in a "new" guitar ('98), and was told Hamer had a large stockpile of HMR1 pickups. I asked about their voice and was told they're like Duncan's Vintage Flats (SSL-2) and Custom Flats (SSL-6). I know the Duncan catalog shows SSL-2 and SSL-6 pickups voiced differently, but that's what I have written down on my notes from the call... I'm not a Hamer expert and can't verify if what I was told is true. I'm just sharing the results of some research I had done. I hope it helps others.

Ted Nugent's "Double Live Gonzo" is one of my favorite live records, not for its guitar tones, but its sheer energy and edge.

Interesting topic, but I'd like to say some things, if I may... 1. If you're concerned about value received for dollars spent, always buy used. 2. As for the price differences you'll encounter when comparing apples-for-apples guitars; that's the reason many of us own used Hamers. I've owned/sold some used Les Pauls in the past, but my used Hamers--at a fraction of the price--easily hold their own against any of them. That's not just a romanticized opinion. I worked in a music store for years and was able to conduct numerous one-on-one shoot-outs at the store and at band practices. Time after time, in everyone's opinion, the Hamers equaled or surpassed the Gibsons in tone and playability. Yes, the general public holds Gibsons in higher esteem than Hamers, but I switched for the above mentioned "value received for dollars spent" factor and have remained satisfied with my decision ever since. 3. Les Paul vs. Telecaster... try the experiment for yourself. I have, and with the same setup and string gauge on each guitar: a. The Fender's longer scale length made for stiffer action and tougher string bends. It's a scientific fact that the same string will require greater tension to be tuned to pitch on a longer scale length. b. The Fender's single-coil pickups did not have the powerful output of the humbucking pickups, and thus did not produce as long a sustaining note. 4. Anything involving our senses will always be subjective. I'm glad my guitars sound different; it gives me a wider variety of tones to create with.

I've stayed neutral throughout this thread, but 67's last post makes me wonder... Do you buy particular cars and guitars because you personally like them, or simply to join a club of enthuiasts? I don't give a damn about what's in style or who's driving/playing what. If I like something, I'll use it. Throught the 80s and 90s, I was the guy still playing an old Les Paul when the entire world was mad for Floyd Roses, neon colors, and pointy-headstocks. I only parted with my Pauls in 1998 when I worked at a music store and was able to trade them at a "One-Les Paul-for-Two-Hamer USAs" ratio or I'd still be playing them today. P.S. I live in Florida and have family members in Orlando. What you're witnessing--diverse cultures, crime, violence, etc.--is just a sign of the times and is guaranteed to found anywhere else. The world's population continues to grow and we're all feeling the pressures of being squeezed closer together. Regardless, an American bum still has it better than most of the world's inhabitants, that's why many want to migrate to the U.S. The fact that this community's members are able to purchase non-essential items (guitars, etc.) and post to this board (PCs and IPs) says a lot about our living conditions. We should stop bellyaching and realize we're truly blessed to have been born here. Peace out!

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