Hamer neck carve shape evolution help

[Roshark]

I have been trying to search the archives to find out when Hamer made certain neck shapes on different models . I am sure this must have been covered here before but I could only find very small bits and pieces . Can anyone point me in the right direction ? I think it may be beneficial to have a definitive thread covering this in depth for future reference . Hamer has made a lot of different neck shapes through the years . Vintage carves changed over time . Medium neck carves evolved . My specific need at the moment is how does a '94 Studio medium neck compare to a '98 Studio medium neck ? How did the shape change if any ? Thanks

[Andrew]

That's not asking much, is it?

It would take weeks to answer that question, and without any accuracy as each neck was hand finished.

There are trends and some specific carves like the fat necks with sustain block trems.

I would say not much difference between 94 and 98. I have experience of 93-97 Studios and they do vary but not to any pattern. I doubt the first year at New Hartford would be that different to the last at Arlington.

[Roshark]

Thanks Andrew . I am willing to do some work compiling information and editing . I hope those in the know chime in to help fill in the big blanks . Here is what I have so far for Hamer neck shapes / carves :

1970's - ? I have never played a Standard or a Sunburst . Are the neck shapes similar to Gibson's '58, '59, or a '60's slim taper ?

In general do Standards and Sunburst's have the same neck carve ?

1980's - Skinny from top of the fret board to the back of the neck . I have seen a few (2) graphic sunburst? Or special HB guitars with these necks . One very skinny C shape and one skinny and little flatter on the back D shape .

Memory fades with time . I do not remember what year those guitars were made but they were '80's black and white designs .

What year did the necks get the skinny shape ?

How did the neck carves change over time ?

Did neck carves differ on different models at the same time of production or were necks similar throughout Hamer's line ?

Were all necks hand carved in the '80's ?

How would Hamer refer to this skinny neck shape ? Did Hamer have an official name/name's for these carves ?

What year do the skinny necks stop ?

1990's - Medium carve for most of the '90's on Studio's . This Medium carve is similar to a '59 carve 1994-1999 ( is this right ? dates produced and description of neck )

Did Hamer get a CNC in this time period ? If so did they use it for necks ? When did they get it ? I think I read something about a CNC in the Hamer book .

Do Daytona's and other regular production models follow the Studios neck shape in this time period ? If not how do they differ ?

Were any other regularly produced neck carve's made ?

2000's - Medium carve seems slightly fuller now in the 1st position . A little more wood in general comparing a '98 Studio to a '02 Artist.

Vintage carve introduced ( what year ? ) It seems a lot of experimentation was being done on the Vintage carve 2001-2002 These can differ greatly and range from a very full Medium to fat large full '58 carve .

I have played a 2000 Orange Sparkle Newport that was shaped like several vintage Gretch's i'm familiar with . Very round C

Most Newport's I have played seem to have the Vintage carve . The early (2000 ? ) red Newport Pro's with the trapeze tail pice and ebony boards have thinner D carve necks .

My 2004 30th Anniversary starts off with what I would call a Medium neck and progresses with a nod to a PRS (wide flat) up the neck . The flatness is subtle compared to what PRS was doing .

A Triple Threat is the biggest Hamer neck I have come across . Very full, especially from the 12th fret to the neck joint .

Did I get all the neck shapes and types ?

Please help add your knowledge to this thread and correct me if I have got anything wrong . I admittedly have little experience and am just trying to figure this out . Direct comparisons between the same model and different years I think would be beneficial . A custom guitar is just that, custom . We will be talking about Hamer general production trends . Neck carves will very between individual guitars . Just like women . That is why we love them .

[Steve Haynie]

The 1985 Scepter that passed through my hands had the thinnest Hamer neck of those I have experienced. It was possibly thinner than an early 90's Special. The 1987 set neck Chaparral did not feel as thin.

[cynic]

It would take weeks to answer that question, and without any accuracy as each neck was hand finished.

But still a worthwhile effort IMO. People here are always generalizing about this neck or that neck. I've often asked myself the very same question Roshark is asking. Even if each was hand finished, wasn't there some standard in mind as the objective? I think that's all that's being asked.

I see no harm in trying to compile the knowledge already present among members here and creating some sort of reference to use as a guide.

[Steve Haynie]

At the Ovation factory we saw the neck carve templates that were created to make sure the necks were carved uniformly. They were sort of like radius gauges, but for the back of the neck. Did Hamer ever use anything like that?

[specialk]

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