Is this a Hamer Chaparral Elite or .... something else?

[golem]

I know enough about Hamer's to know I need to ask. I don't know if it's just the inlways and an ebony fretboard that qualify this as an elite for if there are other qualities (fancier finishes?) that require for it to be an elite. 

I'd be buying this likely from the guy who bought it from the dude on Reverb. He's got at least two Hamer's. He bought an interesting looking Scarab that's a bit too much for my tastes. I don't particularly love Floyd Rose systems, but I almost want to own one just to give it a try. To be clear, I use trem systems and love them, but most well-set-up trem systems will work for me. A FR is sort of "extra" for my actual needs. 

[golem]

Still kind of hoping someone can explain what makes an elite different from a standard. While I notice the inlays and ebony fretboard are like what I've pictured, most of the elites seem to have a nicer body. I don't really have enough context to understand if someone could basically order a mixture of specs. Like, is there a more basic elite, a fancier standard, or ... maybe they weren't even making such distinctions at that point? 

Anyone willing to school me a bit would be appreciated. 

 

[Kerry Marchman]

This should help, Golem.. The details are at the bottom of the first page..

 

https://www.12stringbass.net/1990-hamer-catalog

[golem]

@Kerry Marchman

Quote

The designations for the entire Hamer range will be changing in order to standardize and clarify the model distinctions and differences. We feel this simplification will aid the sales staff, dealers, and the end customer.

C = Custom: Ebony fingerboard, Boomerang inlays, fixed neck, Seymour Duncan pickups.

E = Elite: Ebony fingerboard, Boomerang inlays, bolt on neck, Seymour Duncan pickups.

S = Standard: Rosewood fingerboard, dot inlays, Hamer Slammers.

That does give me more information and I appreciate that. The one I'm hoping to buy is made in 1986, has Ebony Fingerboard, Boomerang Inlays and (?) for pickups. So that implies to me that the specs are more inline with the Custom BUT that the distinction didn't exist in 1986 so calling it an elite simply because it has those specs might be slightly misleading to some. 

[Tortious]

Brooks posted this in 2009. The main page thing he references does not appear to be there any longer.

https://www.hamerfanclub.com/forums/topic/39813-hamer-usa-guitar/

Chaparral (1st version) (1985 - 1987) - contoured body with offset double cutaways, glued-in maple neck (24.75 inch scale length) with 24 fret rosewood fingerboard, dot-inlays and steeply angled peghead. Fitted with a humbucker and two single-coil pickups (usually Hamer Slammers) and Floyd Rose trem.. Some guitars are fitted with Kahler trems.. The Chaparral Custom is as above but has an ebony fingerboard, boomerang inlays and upgraded pickups (usually OBL). Usually fitted with three mini-switches and front mounted output jack.

Chaparral (2nd version) (1987 - 1994) - the Standard version is as above but has a bolt-on neck (with a modified peghead) and a 25.5" inch scale length. The Elite has optional figured maple- top, ebony fingerboard, boomerang inlays and upgraded pickups. The Custom is essentially the same as the 1st version but has a 25.5 inch scale-length. Also sometimes fitted with Sustainiac circuitry (circa 1990 only). All are fitted with 5-way switch and side mounted output jack. Single humbucker versions are also seen. 12-string Chaparral has a glued-in neck.

 

From that I would say that the one you are looking at is a 'Custom', 1st version.

[golem]

Love this guy's thick Maine accent. "Haymer guitaah".

Anyhow, it tracks with the description @Tortiousprovided. The video features a standard. 

 

[Saul Goodman]

I don't remember what year mine was but it came stock with OBL pickups. Set neck, boomers, ebony, cherry red. 

[golem]

Bought it! It looks way nicer than pictures of it from the last time it sold on Reverb. Not different in condition per se, they just took pictures with horrible lighting. 

[golem]

This guitar reminds me that I don't like Floyd Roses. Even when perfectly setup. 

[diablo175]

1 hour ago, golem said:

This guitar reminds me that I don't like Floyd Roses. Even when perfectly setup. 

Floyds are not for the faint of heart nor the uncertain. True Floyd enlightenment only comes thru a lifetime commitment to becoming one with the bridge. 🤣

[topekatj]

On 5/22/2025 at 8:56 AM, diablo175 said:

Floyds are not for the faint of heart nor the uncertain. True Floyd enlightenment only comes thru a lifetime commitment to becoming one with the bridge. 🤣