Whoismarykelly

Graphic finish guitars from the 70s and 80s almost always command a huge upcharge over a similar model with a standard finish because they are rare and unique and a novelty. Kinda like how a doubleneck is often priced 2x the price of the equivalent guitars that would make it up.

Just like Castedosa

I've noticed over the years that Prototypes often get listed for high prices and I wonder if people think they are actual prototypes worth extra money.

Aside from Standards and a subset of the Calis, most nice Hamers are going up but they're not eclipsing what a new LP standard costs. At least they don't seem to be selling at the huge asking prices. Its likely there are some Hamer collectors slowly liquidating collections through stores and that's why a place like El Diablo seems to list a new $8000 Hamer every month. There are a decent number of bargains out there. A crazy quilt top Sunburst sold for $1000 on Reverb yesterday. I didn't buy it because it seemed to low to be real. Also it had gold hardware/

When you buy a Vega you either buy one intended for a 2 point or one intended for a 6 screw setup. Its just a different fulcrum bar. They come with different threaded sleeve inserts if you have to adapt bushing sizes.

The magic for me is all in the full floating setup where the body of the trem is fully inside the route so you can pull up. The PRS/Mann style setup where you have a tiny bit of up pull is too limiting for how I want to use the trem. Big plus is the Mirage geometry lets you keep the saddles low and really get the nice light feel out of the arm.

Thanks! Wasn't able to get the upload or embed functionality to work earlier.

The Vega trem is really spectacular. I have them in two Mirages and they have incredibly smooth feel and great tuning stability. Install is pretty painless as long as you have the proper version for the trem you are replacing (4 screw or 2 post). I need to go into my guitars with a sanding block to relieve the cavity a bit for more up pull but in a stock trem cavity they have great range. https://imgur.com/a/iZVKKIQ

The MicroFrets trem is really quite delightful and maybe the best design of all the vintage trems I've used. I hesitated on a really cool green one with a nice refret at Atomic a couple years ago and I've been on the lookout since.

Their attention to detail on stuff like this is unparalleled.

Is there backstory for why HFC censors the name of the builder?

Close. $2500 + tax 🫠

Just FYI This is because Atomic lists items for the benefit of local buyers. They don't want to sell this on Reverb. They want someone to come in and try it and evaluate it in the store.

Same two I've had for the last couple years. Almost bought a third one of these a couple months back.

Love my Mirages. Absolutely killer guitars.

Julie is one of the best in the business.

There's a left-handed version of this at Atomic Music in Beltsville, MD.

I'd be interested in the Mirages for sure