New to Hamer

[manRN]

I recently purchased my first Hamer. This is supposed to be a XT SATF p90. The individual I bought it from claimed that it belonged to a relative and had the Hamer stock pickups removed and refitted humbuckers in their place. I took it apart (looking for serial numbers or any thing that I could find to authenticate it) and found the pickup recesses machine routed. All the wiring is done very well. I could not find any serial numbers (or any numbers for that matter). The only script on the guitar is the Hamer logo and "made in Korea" on the back of the headstock. Gold hardware. Plays and sound great! Any insight that anyone could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[manRN]

I forgot to add I paid $400. Came with a hardcase, strap and straplocks. Its in great shape. No scratches or dings. I could not find alot of info pricewise for this guitar prices ranged between $325-$600 with most of those not in stock. Truthfully I really like playing this guitar. I'm a long time bassplayer and craft tube amp builder. I wanted a decent electric so I can expose my young son to guitar.

[Nathan of Brainfertilizer Fame]

Well, you already know the important points:

It is an import made in Korea, it was well-made, and you like it!

What else do you need to know?

But here's what I can tell you.

It really isn't an XT, because those were the next generation of quality imports...most XTs are now made in China. XTs will have the little "xt" following the Hamer label.

This is the 2nd generation of the import line. The first generation had "Hamer" in big letters, then "Slammer Series" in smaller letters underneath, and ran from the mid-90s or so until 1999-ish.

Starting in 1999 or 2000, the import line was made in Korea and just had "Hamer" on the headstock. They had many models that somewhat imitated the USA line (like yours imitates the Studio), but they had a few unique models, as well (like the Stellar 1, one of my favorites).

The 2nd generation is generally considered to be slightly lower in quality than the first generation. But that is somewhat individual opinion and somewhat dependent on which guitar you get. In any case, the generation you have is a fine quality import guitar, and is probably as good or better than pretty much any other import you care to name...but since Hamer USA is still relatively unknown as a top-quality instrument, their import lines are also less well-known and often don't get the respect they deserve.

I have been on record by saying the imports are every bit as good as the USAs, but over time (and after trying out a larger sample), now even I admit that isn't true. USA Hamers just have better materials and better workmanship.

But that doesn't mean yours is chopped liver. The imports are excellent for performances and even professional work...they only suffer in comparison to the USA models. They can be upgraded easily to be even better.

Your clearly has upgraded pickups. The originals would have the words "Duncan Design" on the pickup bobbins or "Hamer" on the pickup covers. Since one has "Seymour Duncan" on the bobbin, it is clearly an aftermarket upgrade.

Unfortunately, your guitar is probably worth only about $200 on the open market...that depends on the number of scratches/dings, whether it comes with a case or not, and whether potential buyers care about the upgraded pickup enough to bid it higher.

This is probably a case of where the guitar is worth more to keep than will ever be to sell.

It is difficult to tell from the pictures, but does it have an ebony fretboard?!?

I forgot to add I paid $400. Came with a hardcase, strap and straplocks. Its in great shape. No scratches or dings. I could not find alot of info pricewise for this guitar prices ranged between $325-$600 with most of those not in stock. Truthfully I really like playing this guitar. I'm a long time bassplayer and craft tube amp builder. I wanted a decent electric so I can expose my young son to guitar.

Even though I just said it is probably worth $200 on the open market, there are several elements that indicate you didn't overpay for the guitar.

1) condition is excellent.

2) came with a case

3) came with straplocks (not a big $ upgrade, but still helps)

4) upgraded pickups are probably worth an extra $100 right there

But turning around and selling it for $400 would depend on finding someone who valued the upgraded pickups and was willing to pay a little extra for the unmolested condition.

[Victor (Fret Friend)]

I just sold a early/mid 90s Diablo (Korean) for £230.00 (GBP). I had modded it with expensive upgrades (EMG HZs & Gotoh FR & a pink paintjob). Mine was originally a 'Slammer Series' & I think it was made at the Cort Factory (along with Samick), 1 of the better Korean builders.

The above may/may not be 100% true it's just what (I think) I know. If yours is made at any of the above factories. it is sure to be a quality instrument but will be worth more to you than any prospective buyer.

[JGale]

Hide your kids, hide your wallet!