Kahler Tremelo on 1981 Special

[DC78666]

I am looking over a 1981 Hamer Special and have a question about the bridge. The serial number on this guitar is 1-4692 meaning it was made in 1981. The issue is that this guitar is fitted with a Kahler tremelo system with associated lock-nut. However there are string ferrules on the back of the guitar body that would indicated the guitar came with the Sustain Block bridge and was strung through the body. The research I have been able to do seems to say the Kahler was not an option until 1982 on Hamer guitars. Not to mention the Patent filing date for the Kahler tremelo was Aug 1982, ( US Pat. 4457201). So, my guess at this point is the Kahler was a later edition to this guitar, and it's not how it came stock.

Can anyone confirm whether or not the Kahler trem was available on the 1981 Special? Or, does anyone know of a method to determine how a particular serial numbered guitar came off the line?

I'd appreciate any information anyone can provide.

Thanks,

DC

[kizanski]

If it has ferules, it's a Sustain Block guitar, regardless of when it was made.

[serial]

Kahlers were not available in 1981. Period.

I 100% guarantee that the Kahler is aftermarket. As Kiz says, no ferrules on the back of a factory-Kahlered guitar.

I'll have to look, but I am certain that Kahlers weren't offered on Hamers even in 1982.

[DC78666]

Thanks Kiz and serial. That's what I suspected.

Have a good one!

DC

[Thundernotes]

Kahlers were not available in 1981. Period.

I 100% guarantee that the Kahler is aftermarket. As Kiz says, no ferrules on the back of a factory-Kahlered guitar.

I'll have to look, but I am certain that Kahlers weren't offered on Hamers even in 1982.

Sort of

I have a '79 with ferrules and a Kahler. I sent it to Arlington Heights in the mid-80's and had the factory install it.

[kizanski]

Yeah, but it still came with a Sustain Block originally, and the work was done in the mid '80's, so in this case does not apply.

[Thundernotes]

I'm pissed that somewhere along the line, I lost track of the sustain block itself. Still hope to find it someday.

[kizanski]

I just bought one on this very board just yesterday.

You can too and undo that egregious error of "80's judgement that you made.

[cmatthes]

Brian - it's in that box.

[Ned B]

I remember the Kahler being standard on the Scarab which wouldn't have been earlier than '83 I believe..

[DC78666]

So now I need to one: see if I can find a sustain block bridge, preferably a NOS, but wouldn't necessarily have to be and two, of course will be to see what damage was done to the finish underneath the Kahler. I see Kiz mentions he bought one recently from someone on this board. Time to start looking.

Thanks everyone for your input, I appreciate it!

DC

[Thundernotes]

I just bought one on this very board just yesterday.

You can too and undo that egregious error of "80's judgement that you made.

Nah. When it's working right I actually like it. I just want to be able to sell it to someone who can use it.

[bubs_42]

So now I need to one: see if I can find a sustain block bridge, preferably a NOS, but wouldn't necessarily have to be and two, of course will be to see what damage was done to the finish underneath the Kahler. I see Kiz mentions he bought one recently from someone on this board. Time to start looking.

Thanks everyone for your input, I appreciate it!

DC

Just Post up on the board. One will show its up sooner or later.