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In 1992 I ordered a customized Chapparal 5 bass from Hamer: Fretless, with no fingerboard markers or lines, and with a "normal" headstock, not the inverted (pegs down) configuration that was standard on that product line. I ordered it through Make'n Music when they were on the north side of Chicago. (They are in the northern suburbs now, but I haven't been there since they moved.) After a wait (months, if I recall), I went to the store to pick it up. When the salesman proudly unveiled my new baby, it was just as I expected… but with frets! 😮 So I waited again and eventually received the instrument I wanted. I've often wondered who ended up with the fretted twin. The headstock configuration and lack of marker dots on the fretboard would help distinguish it from a standard bass of that model with the same color and wood choices. I know it's a long shot, but have any of you ever encountered the twin in the wild? The one I kept is still the main instrument I play every day. This is it today, serial number 230012:

Hi guys, I had a few questions about the Centaura and Chaparral models, and was curious if anyone could answer these: 1) What was the nut width on each model? Did it vary a lot depending on year etc? I see an old catalog from I think 87 that mentions Chaparral usually having 1 5/8", and a Reverb posting for a Centaura being listed at 42mm (1.65 in) but I can't find any truth/solid evidence of any kind of rules to it etc 2) did the floyd route differ by year? I swear I see some that have the more traditional top mount esque design (Like late 80s Jacksons), but then some that look more like the traditional recess route. Thanks!

As some of you might remember, "the Mutt" has a neck from a Hamer USA Chaparral, & the body is from a Centaura (a 2nd single coil middle slot is empty under the stickers). Stock Schaller licensed Floyd Rose bridge still works great, no tuning issues. It now has Ibanez USA pickups (from an 80's Saber, made by dimarzio I believe). Disclosures; tone knob is disabled (my tech said the tone is better that way, I dunno). Pro headstock repair (BCR Greg did it, i think). Med/thin neck has been sanded to bare wood (feels great), & has been glued into the neck pocket (an experiment in tone/sustain, but I couldn't tell any difference). Prism stickers look great under stage lights, or peel 'em off and refinish it yourself. Lots of dings/battlescars/wear, as its a gigged rawk beater that still feels/sounds/looks very good, imfo. Crwth145 has 1st dibs, otherwise its $300 + actual shipping (UPS Store Packing Job, Insured). Consider trades for guitars/amps/shotguns, whatcha got?