velorush

Not a Hamer, but I like it: '97 Am Std Roadhouse Strat with a few Calaham enhancements

Okay, I've measured the neck and I have to admit, I'm surprised. The Phantom is 1.625" wide at the nut and 2.057" wide at the 12th fret. It is 0.881" deep at the first fret and 0.901" deep at the 12th fret. The thing that surprised me is that my AmStd Strat is about the same: 1.6875" at the nut (factory spec) and measured 2.064 at the 12th fret. Likewise, the Strat is 0.802" deep at the 1st fret and 0.886" deep at the 12th fret. I'd never have guessed they are so close because they play really differently. I think the primary difference is the Hamer's flatter fretboard. The shape of the necks between those measurements is different, too. The strat is the left half of a C (like every other Strat) whereas the Hamer seems to be more of an oval (more meat at the shoulders). I've also had a question about fretwire. I couldn't for the life of me get a measurement that I was comfortable being quoted on (long night last night posting here, long day staring at a computer screen at work, I'm over 40, you get the picture) but it appears to be the same fretwire as in the '80 Special. Just when I was about to give up and ask you guys, I found this thread that indicates that it is very close to Dunlop 6105: Hamer Fret Wire Discussion. This place is just the best.

Yes, 3X3. I thought the earlier post I referenced had a headstock shot. IIRC the six-in-lines didn't start until 1984. Man, does it look yellow in that photo! Isn't nearly so yellowed in person. I've been remodeling our house for over a year now. The backdrop is nothing more than an old sheet I was using as a drop cloth that day. It is green and I guess it skewed the color to yellow. I think the bevel in this picture is a better representation of the color in-person (well, except for the touch up paint ). Guess the 3X3 to me is kind of like vent windows on a first-gen Camaro: some folks prefer them without, but you know if you see vents it's unmistakably a first year car.

If you are asking if the paint is still there: (Sorry about the out-of-focus photo - about the only thing you can tell is that it is still painted!) If you're more interested in the shape as another just PM'd me, I am at work right now, so anything I say will have to be of a more subjective nature, but I plan to get out the dial caliper when I get home and provide some hard measurements. I'd say the neck is about the width of an American Strat, but not as deep (just noticeably so, fretboard to back). That being said, it is nowhere near what I would call shredder thin. It will be interesting to actually measure and test the accuracy of my memory. Also, last night someone mentioned the case. I have only one photo of the case in my Photobucket account. I certainly can provide more if anyone is interested.

I thinks it's this brother here: http://www.hamerfanclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=31847 Thanks. He and I had a conversation a couple of days ago. He's set on six on a side and that's cool.

Yes, the case is original (I don't think the Phantom would fit in much else, and I certainly can't find anything around my house that fits in the Phantom case). The latches all work (they just don't shine). The Hamer logo is faded, but still there and the tolex doesn't have any major issues (plenty of small nicks and such here and there but no tears). I can try to get some photos up tomorrow if anyone would like to see (but right now my wife is trying to sleep as I am pounding out these words). Got to run. Work is in six and a half hours and I still have paint brushes to clean before bed.

Also, the CONUS reference wasn't a refusal to ship internationally. I'll just pay shipping in the continental US. I'd be more than glad to entertain offers from beyond and we can try to work something out on shipping and international PayPal fees. One other detail up front: I will not lie about the guitar's value on the customs form.

Well, here's your backup (though with 3X3 headstock) Really, I love this thing too, I just haven't had it as long as the others (except for the new-to-me Special, but we've developed a very quick bond) so it doesn't bear as much sentimental value. My decision to try this was based on: If they were hanging in a store (this Phantom and gwayne's Studio) with a price difference equal to the boot I anticipate having to add, I believe I would choose the Studio.

I hate to sacrifice this, but: For Sale, my 1983 Ice Pearl Phantom A5 (S/N 3 7991) with OHSC. The only reason I am selling is to hopefully [partially] fund the purchase of Gwayne's Aztec Gold Studio. Lots of bumps and bruises, but a real player with minimal fret ware. I posted about this guitar early after I joined the HFC. I was at the time struggling with whether or not to sell it (it doesn't get played that often): October 26, 2008 post After all the discussion, I guess I kind of grew to appreciate it more and decided to keep it. That being said, when I was trying to figure out what I could sell to fund the Studio, I kept coming back to the Phantom as being the one guitar that would be the easiest to sell but that I would miss the least, especially knowing that it would remain in HFC hands. The earlier post has lots of photos including the control cavity, but let me know if anyone needs something specifically not covered. Realize also that in the earlier post I was trying to show the worst spots in the finish. I think $750, I pay shipping (UPS Ground, insured, CONUS) and I take the PayPal hit, gets me out with what I have in it and is a fair price.

duh: Edited to add: Serial, sorry to keep posting your guitar, but I still haven't gotten over it...

GC Memphis is bound to be sick of me playing their Taylor GS5. It is a bit over your stated range, but you can find used ones right in there. Worth a look I'd say. The 5 (cedar top / mahogany back & sides) is supposed to be a fingerpicker's guitar. I don't finger pick but I like it anyway because it sounds warmer to me (with a pick) than the spruce topped versions.

I think that you can remove the baffle board from the back side and have good access to the bolts. Check out this discussion: http://www.fenderforum.com/forum.html?db=&...c_number=690182