This both drives me insane and makes me a happy player - I just can't afford the new prices, as much as I feel they are truly worth it. When I eventually go down that road, I'll make sure it's one to never part with... My first Hamer was a late 90s Studio, which I bought from a music store I worked at (new) - after playing it, I didn't complain about the price (which was better with my discount) - I was also unaware of anyone playing them until I bought one (I had seen a few ads in Guitar Player). The store, of course, stopped carrying Hamer as they didn't move well, everyone wanted one of the big two logos on their headstock. I gave them shit for not trying harder, but they all played Fenders and Gibsons themselves. I held onto that guitar longer than any other axe, probably 5-6 years - only giving it up to buy a "metal axe" upon moving to Vermont (when I came here, the only players I found immediately were heavy rockers). I regret the day I sold it for an early Japanese Jackson (Kelly). I also miss my Bluesbreaker Marshall (possibly the worst tube amp for metal, YMMV). I was on the board during those days, but I went away in shame... and went through endless lackluster axes searching for the elusive "tone". I also remember how badly I wanted a Newport when they first hit... It took me 10 years, but I eventually went for it... Again, I really don't know of any "famous" musicians playing those... I got distracted by Gretsch, who have a huge roster. Know what? My Newport does rockabilly as well as a entry level 6120, and has fewer problems with fit and finish. Any cats playing them in rockabilly? Nope, 'fraid not. Why? Other than hero worship and the shallow body depth, I really can't say... Even Sparrow has made a serious in-road into that arena, and not just for the Big Daddy. It is a pitiful shame that assembly lined, mass produced instruments that are inferior (IMHO) hold their value better - and actually gain value. I've never played a neck I like more, and the only other guitar I miss as much as that Studio was my old Rickenbacker 330 Custom... I could rant on this, like most of you, for quite some time. I'm not certain that Hamer really wants the attention, though I wonder where Fender will stand on that... Grimm