mike_levitt Posted March 14, 2005 Posted March 14, 2005 I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on one - anybody have any comments or impressions?Thanks.Mike
mike_levitt Posted March 14, 2005 Author Posted March 14, 2005 They're incredible. Incredible - how?What did you like about it? Remember anything about the neck profile? The sound?Thanks!Mike
ArnieZ Posted March 14, 2005 Posted March 14, 2005 Yes, I just happen to have one Aside from the incredible appointments, The Ultimates generally have wood selected from Hamer's best stock for weight and grain. The electronics package of the SD Ultimate pickups and internal Monster wiring give the guitar a very bell like and smooth quality, that is different from typical humbuckers. The neck carves are the standard vintage or modern but you can opt for a custom carve at a small upcharge. Just to help fuel your gas, I have included a pic of mine next to my Artist Custom And here is a Solo shot. ArnieZ
cmatthes Posted March 14, 2005 Posted March 14, 2005 List went from $5,000 to $6,000 in January. Your dealer will discount from there for a new one. Those are truly "masterpiece" guitars.
BCR Greg Posted March 14, 2005 Posted March 14, 2005 We've had 5 or 6 around here, all damn fine guitars. Worth the money.
mike_levitt Posted March 14, 2005 Author Posted March 14, 2005 Thanks everybody.Arnie - what color is that? It looks like honey in the photos - very nice...I appreciate the responses...Mike
hardheartedbill Posted March 14, 2005 Posted March 14, 2005 they have a smooth tone that seems to be more than the sum of it's parts. I have the ultimate pickups in my LP but it does not sound like the Artist U , they have their own thing going on, way cool guitars
ArnieZ Posted March 14, 2005 Posted March 14, 2005 Mike,The Artist Custom on the right is honey. The Ultimate is a color known as brown sugar. This is a color that board member Phoenix concocted. It is based on honey with some brown added. Hamer has painted this color many times but I don't know if there is a specific formula, they are all a little different. I requested that the painter stop when he felt it looked right. I am very happy with the way it came out.ArnieZ
sirDaniel Posted March 14, 2005 Posted March 14, 2005 I owned an Ultimate and a 25thLTD at the same time. THe pups we're different and the ULT top was thicker. Necks we're dang close. Both fine guitars. I kept me 25thLTD and sold the ULT. A lotta bling bling on that guitar. It has a serious hoytee toytee factor.
Travis Posted March 14, 2005 Posted March 14, 2005 Are the Ultimates really worth the extra green on top of a run of the mill Artist Custom? What I mean is the Artist Customs are already pretty damn fine pieces. Are you guys saying that the Ultimates are that much better? DAMN!
sw686blue Posted March 14, 2005 Posted March 14, 2005 Arnie,Your ultimate is one of the most spectatular guitars that I have every seen (Hamer or other)Stunning!Nick
mike_levitt Posted March 14, 2005 Author Posted March 14, 2005 Arnie,Your ultimate is one of the most spectatular guitars that I have every seen (Hamer or other)Stunning!Nick I agree - it is spectacular...Mike
ArnieZ Posted March 15, 2005 Posted March 15, 2005 Nick and Mike, I have to compliment you on your excellent taste in guitars! I happen to really love my Ultimate and wouldn't change a thing on it. Ben, I t's pretty funny to see your post with the Newbie designation, and thanks for the compliment, you've got some pretty fine pieces yourself! Travis, In almost every consumer item after you reach a certain level it costs a lot more to make a leap to the next level. The Ultimate was a statement guitar from Hamer to say look what we can do. The amount of labor that goes into building a guitar like this is incredible. If you have a chance to attend the open house you will see for yourself. Does it sound twice as good as my Artist Custom? No! But it truly is a work of art. When I ordered this guitar it was a $5000 retail instrument. At the time I said to anybody that would care to listen (not many) that it was the best buy in the Hamer line. A little more than 1 year later it costs 20%more retail. Granted it is not the type of guitar you would necessarily drag out to an open mike blues jam, but if you had the chops( I don't) people would hear the guitar and know it is a superior instrument. I am not looking to make a comparison, but I dare say if you were to try to get something like this from another manufacturer, It would set you back more $ and may not be done as well. Unrequested discourse finished! ArnieZ
mike_levitt Posted March 15, 2005 Author Posted March 15, 2005 Arnie,I totally agree with your financial analysis... A guitar like that from somebody else (G F or PRS) would probably list for $10000. I would proudly drag it to a blues jam - though I don't think I would share it, at least not with a stranger.Seriously - your guitar is a work of art!!!!!!!!!!!Mike
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