Twin Hamer Basses Separated at Birth?

[VacuumChild]

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:

[Russell Beard]

Wish I could say I have seen them but no I haven't. But what a great story, I bought an Impact around that same time and made payments!, so I had to wait until it was paid for, but fortunately for me I received exactly what I expected. To this day it is the only bass I have ever needed.  Also, that is freaking beautiful bass!!