Watson Review

[silentman]

First let me say that the fit and finish on this guitar is the best I've seen on a new Hamer. They nailed the finish I was looking for (thanks Cajunboy) and the top just explodes (thanks Jol). This guitar was scary price wise, but worth every penny (thanks Mobster for the encouragement).

First of all the body is a bit leaner than a Studio. I had asked for lightweight mahogany. The tummy cut makes this guitar a dream to play. Why Hamer doesn't do this to all their guitars (hollowbody and chambers exluded, of course)? Beats me. The mid 90s studios had this feature. It balances way better than any double cut Hamer I've ever played (especially the lighter ones) - no neck dive.

The action on this guitar is scary low (thanks BCRGreg) with practically NO neck relief and it doesn't buzz. My only gripe here is Hamer did not include an allen wrench to adjust the bridge height.

The neck carve feels like an old friend as they kept it lean (sorry JackC) and the fretwork/binding is awsome. The lack of inlays is not as confusing as I would have thought. EASY to play.

Sound wise this guitar rings unplugged as all sustain blocked guitars do (thanks Hamerhead). Plugged in, this guitar loves gain but doesn't get mushy. Notes remain clear. Back off the gain/volume and blues sounds rip from either the neck or the bridge. Clean the guitar quacks a bit in the middle position, like no other hamer I've played (sans daytonas, etc). I'd attribute it to the bridge + scale length. Add a little overdrive and you kinda approach SRV land. The tone control is great on this guitar as well. I can't wait to try it on a tube amp (I was playing thru my Johnson JT50 combo). This guitar burns and can cover all sonic ground easily.

Thanks to everyone involved making this guitar. It's a work of art.

I'll get some new porn pics tomorrow!

Edited to add - this guitar could make my others extinct - and I've got some killers already. This SHOULD be a catalog item. It kills PRS, Gibson etc. (but we already knew that)

[MCChris]

I'm usually a little jaded when it comes to custom orders, mainly out of jealousy that I can't afford one of my own and also the fact that I'm actually used to seeing so many amazing one-of-a-kind instruments on here day after day. But yours has really resonated with me. I'd have gone for some sort of position markers on the fretboard and I can't deal with such big frets, but those are just personal things. Your guitar is absolutely perfect in every respect. Bravo.

[Guest galejt]

Sound wise this guitar rings unplugged as all sustain blocked guitars do (thanks Hamerhead).

+1 for Hammerhead/BCR sustain blocks (but then you knew that).

[Rockola]

loving that guitar.....

*puts on lipstick like Buscemi*

[savethematches]

Who had the Watson with the quilted blue top? I remember seeing a pic of one on here a while back. Seems like it was a custom order. Let's see some pics!

[Mobster]

I hate to say I told you so, Lou, but "I told you so!"

[silentman]

That you did. To say this wildly exceeded my expectations is an understatement.

[AXEMAN]

Just asking Price... over$4000 Less than $6000????????????

[cmatthes]

Depends on whether you're talking LIST or SELLING price. You're in the range for LIST, anyway!

[AXEMAN]

List $5400 purchase $3800-$3900 HOT COLD If so price is right for Guitar.

[MCChris]

Depends on whether you're talking LIST or SELLING price. You're in the range for LIST, anyway!

Exactly the range my fucking espresso machine was in.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

[AXEMAN]

But it makes money right?

This one TEA(YOU KNOW) you could use but you could go to jail AAHHH what the $&@# look I'll pay you for it...

[BCR Greg]

Lou could charge admission just to admire the simple beauty of his guitar.

[silentman]

Some pics. The first thanks to Mr. C. Matthes. I was drooling over it for about a month or so before the guitar was finished. I almost siad don't paint it, I'll be down to pick it up. The other pic was shot by a friend of mine. Not the greatest, but it'll do.

[edgar_allan_poe]

HOLY SHIT!!! IS THAT A CALI IN THE BACK???!!!!!

That watson is insane Lou...great score.

[silentman]

Don't get too excited - REFIN.

[Brewmaster]

HOLY SHIT!!! IS THAT A CALI IN THE BACK???!!!!!

I'm telling you if Jack presses he can get his dream Chap!

[Tres Aardvarks]

Don't get too excited - REFIN.

wow, just had my heart go frmo 60 to 180 to 60 again. Pheh, I got all wound up and you ruined it

[atquinn]

Don't get too excited - REFIN.

Doh! Well I guess it's a good thing someone replied before I put my guitars up on eBay .

-Austin

[sw686blue]

I love shots of guitars without any finish on them. Lou, yours looks magical man!

Good for you!

Nick