Hamer Strat(s) question

[tommy p]

Can someone give me a little info on the various Strat-like Hamers? I know the Daytona and T-62 are a couple of them, but there are more. I want to know what models there were, the differences, and which ones were considered more high-end and which were lower-end?

I've had 2 "real" Strats and played many, and still have the checkerboard Jackson I posted on the FS board recently but I've never bonded with them. I'm wondering if trying a Hamer or G&L would be any different. I feel like I really should have one.

Any help would be appreciated.

[morningstar]

There are rare models, limited runs and all sorts of upgrades and upcharges, but there is no such thing as a low end Hamer USA. Price has only a moderate relation to value with USA Hamers. I have not met a Hamer USA I did not like.

There are no stock Hamer USA bolt ons after 1997 (and I heard somewhere they were assembled in CT from 1996 IL made parts).

Superstrats I can think of:

Chapparal

Californian

Virtuoso

Diablo

Centaura

Vintage S

Daytona

T-62

Some people might also call a Phantom a set neck "superstrat".

morningstar

[hamerhead]

I've had 2 "real" Strats and played many, but I've never bonded with them. I'm wondering if trying a Hamer or G&L would be any different. I feel like I really should have one.

Like you, I tried quite a few real Strats and never liked the way they played. I loved the sound, but even after several set-ups by 'Strat guys', they didn't feel right.

Enter the Daytona. All the Strat sound WITH the perfect feel. I still have the first one I ever bought, and shoulda kept one I let go. Great - GREAT - guitars!

I'm pretty sure it's the neck radius that makes the difference. I'm an LP guy to the core, and the flatter rad on the Daytona (14" vs 9.5" on a Strat) really works (for me). Be aware that some are a bit heavy (mine's a ton), but still worth every penny. If you need a Strat, get a Daytona!

[tomteriffic]

What Hamerhead said. Had a Daytona and foolishly let it go. However, the T-51 Tele-type has the same neck configuration with a flatter radius and medium jumbo frets and a comfortable medium profile. It made all the difference to me and my search for the perfect Tele stopped right there. If the money, the right Daytona and I are ever in the same place at the same time again, I won't hesitate to snap it up.

[Hfan]

Can someone give me a little info on the various Strat-like Hamers? I know the Daytona and T-62 are a couple of them, but there are more. I want to know what models there were, the differences, and which ones were considered more high-end and which were lower-end?

I've had 2 "real" Strats and played many, and still have the checkerboard Jackson I posted on the FS board recently but I've never bonded with them. I'm wondering if trying a Hamer or G&L would be any different. I feel like I really should have one.

Any help would be appreciated.

Never tried a Hamer Strat but have a G&L Legacy which I like a lot and they can be had pretty cheap on the used market. I wasn't too impressed with most of the new Fender Strats I tried but recently came across a used 2010 USA Standard I like and that was cheap.

Heard good things about Logan Guitars, he builds new Strats and Teles and sells them for not much $. Actually a fan club on the Fender forums. The shop is in WI though. He usually has some on e bay and sometimes you'll see really cheap used ones.