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LittleC

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You know, I really miss (as in past tense) my SpecialFM. Almost immediately, after I let it go I wanted it back. /emoticons/default_blink.png The solace I had was that the dollars went against a Newport with Phat Cats, which immediately became my favorite guitar (and still is). Well, now I have been seriously looking to replace it (the Special, that is). Yet, the past few I saw for sale were with P-90s. Mine had, and I am looking for, one with ‘buckers (if I remember correctly, it had a 59 and a JB). I noticed the HamerGuitars web site only lists Special Korina Jr. So, then I started looking at the Studio. I know they are somewhat similar (?) and stock with two 59s. However, I’ve never played one (yeah, four trips to the HFC day at the factory and I have never played one). Anyway, so here are my questions. Who out there has played both? Are they similar at all? What are the differences tonally and feel wise. Should I (play it safe) find a used FMSpecial and know what I am getting? Will I pick up a Studio and find out that it blows away everything I have played in the past? I welcome your humble opinions graciously.

/emoticons/default_biggrin.png

 
IMO, the Studio just offers a carved top and some fancy appointments. THe Special series is just flat top plain Jane! BTW, I love flat top plain Jane. I miss both my Special and Special FM. Gonna hafta do sum'tin bout that.... soon~

gregc

ps: If you want a new Special, they will build you one~

 
Haven't played either, but I recall a The Guitar Magazine (UK) article from the early/mid 90's that tested & compared 3 or 4 doublecut Hamers. In addition to the FM & Studio, I think they also tested a goldtop P-90 equipped studio. I don't have the article. But wish I did! (Could someone please post this?)

Also, Guitar Player gave glowing reviews to both the FM and the Studio.

 
I've had many of both. The only difference is the carved top. I like the Specials a little better (only because they're a little more comfortable to me). Specials are the most comfortable guitars ever made in my opinion. Standards look the coolest!

 
Actually, there is one other difference, the

studio I believe has a AAAA top and and

special (I think) has a AA or AAA top. I've

seen some really flamey FM's but on the whole

studios will have better and more consistent

tops. You also will have a better selection

of neck profiles with studos because while

Hamer made alot of FM's in 93-95 time frame

they did not build as many in the later 90's

when the necks were a little chunkier...

 
I've got a pile of Specials, from '81 to '95 and my fave is still my trusty Special FM with the '59 and JB. First one I ever got. Not the most outrageous top you ever saw, but a good-looking, great playing guitar. Was my "something with humbuckers' gig weapon for years.

 
I haven't had the pleasure of caressing a Special FM, just a P-90 Special, but I have had a couple of 95 Studio's with the Wilkinson wraparound bridge. Big bang for the buck, high quality guitars. The tops on the Studios were really close to PRS 10 tops but the big thing to me is the tone, playability, and versatility of the guitars.

 
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I have owned several of both as well and i prefer the Special FM. They sound almost identical, but to my ears, the Specials i've owned are slightly beefier with more growl to them.

 
Thank you all for you input. As I thought. I need to get an FM Special back into my rotation. The one I had was a beautiful flame top and was translucent red.

 
This may help !! I've had the pleasure of playing these. The TV is one of the original BCR Juniors, the Korina is one of the earlier Korina's from the latest batch. The "Junior" in the middle is actually listed as a Special FM on the certificate. It is noticeably heavier than it's mahogany and Korina sisters."Pretty boy" was a 2003 custom order which means you can get a NEW one !!!

P2130011.jpg


 
I've got a pile of Specials, from '81 to '95 and my fave is still my trusty Special FM with the '59 and JB.
Click to expand...
Next time you go to put one on the block, please let me know. In pursuit of a SpecialFM w/59&JB (a nice trans-red, but color negotiable).

I edited this because I can't spell so good /emoticons/default_blink.png

 
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Sorry, my Special FM was my very first Hamer and is still a "go-to" guitar. Two of the others are P-90 Specials, one of which now sports the Pigtail Music Vintage Wraparound bridge conversion, one pretty much stock diaperburst. The fourth one is an '81 Sustain Block with humbuckers, all original. They're all wonderful, but all different.

I know where there's a NOS transparent red Special FM, 59 and JB, completely stock. But the store owner won't budge on price. I've been after him for years. /emoticons/default_blink.png

SpecialFM1.jpg


Red81Special1.jpg


Diaperburst1.jpg


HamerBlackSpecialfinished.jpg


 
I have played both but not side by side, so I am going from a fuzzy memory.

I do own a Special FM. Played few Studios. They are both really nice guitars.

The one difference that I recall was not really tonal in nature.

It is a comfort thing. I noticed that the Special FM has a more rounded top edge which I find more comfortable than the sharper edge of the Studio.

Even for me it is not really a make or break issue, but I do like the rounder edge.

Here is a pic of my Special FM

special_FM_02.jpg


 
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