Need info Hamer Sunburst F/T & SFX2

[JoanJettfan]

Specifically I need some info on the recently discontinued Hamer (import) SFX2 and Sunburst F/T guitars (both in Gloss White) which are still available new online. What are the differences between the two models? How thick are the bodies? Do both have beveled edges?

I'm looking for an economical alternative to the Gibson Joan Jett/Blackheart Melody Maker and wonder whether the two aforementioned Hamer models Sunburst F/T and SFX2 will suit my needs. Since I'm 6'3" with long arms but don't have large hands or long fingers I worry that the 24 3/4" scale Hamers will be too short (due to the position of the lower cut) resulting in me being cramped when playing seated and that the neck profile will be too thick.

There are so few reviews online for the Hamer Sunburst F/T and SFX2 and none of my local retailers carry either of those two models (or any Hamer for that matter) I was hoping members would be able to provide some insight. I know both models are geared to beginners or moderate players and that is fine with me. Any guidance will be appreciated.

[murkat]

First of all, welcome to the board!

second, you could always go the internet way of doing

and check the return policy, see if they have a guarantee of satisfaction.

Most online dealers do, even most ebay dealers do as well.

You might want to check with our own dealers here as well,

eldave and bcr greg , both great guys and more than helpful.

[JoanJettfan]

First of all, welcome to the board!

second, you could always go the internet way of doing

and check the return policy, see if they have a guarantee of satisfaction.

Most online dealers do, even most ebay dealers do as well.

You might want to check with our own dealers here as well,

eldave and bcr greg , both great guys and more than helpful.

Thank you. I have checked with the sellers (Ebay NO returns accepted with "closeout" models unless they sustain damage in shipping) and compared the specifications of both the Hamer SFX2 and the Sunburst F/T (don't know why they call it that when it's available in only Blue, White, & Black) and they seem identical thus my confusion between the two (I hate typical "Sunburst" colors and want a White guitar). The dealers I contacted don't have one of each Hamer model I'm interested in for a side-by-side comparison so I'm left to inquire here. I have considered the Ibanez GAX70 and other similar Ibanez models but prefer the Hamer due to the few positive reviews (no negative ones) I've been able to find and satisfaction others have expressed with other Hamer "import" models.

My main concern with the two aforementioned Hamer models is the lower cut where the guitar would rest on ones knee when playing, I hope to avoid feeling "crunched". I did buy one used SX SJM w/three P-90's for playing "Surf" music and found that guitar played "long" like a baritone due to where the lower body cut was located and size of the body, that was odd seeing I have long arms, I was always feeling "stretched" and my wrist ached (see below). The SJM was replaced with a custom built and painted Krylon Coral Isle Mist Korean-era Squier II Strat with GFS Surf 90 pickups. I also picked up an early-90's Fender Duo Sonic quite cheaply and found the 22 1/2" scale was too short to play comfortably (that was sold going to Denmark via Ebay). The Hamer SFX2 or Sunburst F/T should I purchase one would be used primarily for hard rock such as AC/DC and Joan Jett tunes.

I returned to playing after a 22 yr layoff in Dec of '08 for physical and neurological rehab following my having been struck by a car as a pedestrian in late Nov of '06 suffering numerous critical and life threatening injuries including having both wrists shattered and both thumbs dislocated. I've gone through a succession of guitars looking for something that "feels right" and replaced my only guitar a Fender Lead III that I sold in '91 which wasn't seeing much use after I had my left (fretting) hand injured at work in '88. Once the Lead III arrived I found the stock neck was too thin so I added a Squire Strat neck that's a bit thicker purchased off Ebay but still it doesn't feel "right". I realize that what worked for me before may not work now due the circumstances of my injuries so my search continues.

The guitars that didn't meet my needs (most Fender/Squier) were sold through Ebay and I've been lucky as I've made a profit on most (since not all models available in the USA are found worldwide) shipping to Italy, Sweden, Denmark, Canada, and the USA. The hassle of boxing, shipping, and waiting for payment to clear (though I haven't had a deadbeat win an auction yet) has become a chore and with MD appointments, surgeries, and other responsibilities I'm hoping to avoid returns.

[JoanJettfan]

I've sent an email to Hamer Guitars containing my inquiry concerning the difference in specifications (if any) between the discontinued Hamer (import) SFX2 and Sunburst F/T guitars when they respond I'll post the reply so others can afford themselves of the information.

[JoanJettfan]

As promised here is the info from Hamer Guitars itself describing the difference between the the Hamer (import) SFX2 and Sunburst F/T.

Hello,

The SFX2 has a flat top with a beveled edge, the Sunburst has an arched top and is not beveled. Both are about 1-3/4" thick. The neck profile of both models is the same. The necks are 22mm thick at the nut and 24mm at the 12th fret. The SFX2 has a basswood body with a bolt-on maple neck and the Sunburst has a mahogany body with a set mahogany neck.

Best,

Chris

I guess I'll get the Hamer SFX2.