Questions about Artist and Monaco Elite

[scottcald]

Hello all,

New to the forum. I have a Korean Sunburst style Hamer that I got from a buddy of mine. Been aware of Hamers since I saw Cheap Trick back in '80. Really like the Korean one I have and I've been looking at some of the other USA models, particularly the Artist and the Monaco Elite. I have a couple of questions for those who own these.

1. What's the weight on them compared to a Les Paul with the standard weight relief? Looking for something lighter (though I have lighter start style guitars).

2. Particularly the Artist, how's the tone compare? I wasn't able to find any direct comparisons online or videos of anyone playing both into the same amp or setup.

3. On the Monaco Elite, it appears that the cutaway isn't flush against the neck. Is that correct and if it is, how is it to play?

Thanks,

Scott

[django49]

I consider the Artist light and comfortable. As often said, a cross between a Les Paul and an ES-335. Sort of. It is thinner than the normal Les Paul and, at lest in part, that tends to make it less "fat" sounding.

To me, the Elite is closer to a Les Paul in feel and sound. Note that it has (stock) pickups that are more aggressive (at least to me) than the Seth Lovers in the Artist.

Not everyone agrees, but most (including me) seem to think the "ledge" on the cutaway of the Elite is a non-issue in terms of playability. It is more bothersome (to some) in its appearance. The ledge and the single cutaway make for a more rigid neck connection, also more LP like. But by its nature, the design of the Artist may allow better access up the neck.

[scottcald]

Thanks for the quick response. I figured as much about the tone, but always good to have real world verification. I'm sure I could get used to the cutaway on the Monaco Elite. I get why it would be bothersome visually. Is extra neck stability the reason it was done that way or just a design choice?

[Jakeboy]

Agree with Django. My Korina artist has a lot of hollow body vibe going on so I slapped a fat single coil in the neck and a tv jones classic in the bridge. Def not as fat as an LP even with regular buckers in it. Though it did absolutely ROCK in that setup. It is my #1 and is a blues-rock machine.

I had a Monaco Elite mahogany. Shelf is a non-issue. Mine played fab sounded like a single cut piece of hog with buckers. Not having a maple cap did make mine a little darker, but smart pickup swaps fixed that. I only traded it because the guitar I got in trade I couldn't turn down.

Buy either or both. You'll love the USA Hamers.

[Montelovesco]

I agree with Jakeboys last two sentences.

I have both, but both have non stock PUs in them, WCR in the Artist and BBQs in the Monaco. To me the Artist is more woody, but has - maybe due to the PUs - more overtones. Playability is no issue at all, and I never had any problem with the higher frets on the Monaco. I wont part with any of them...

[scottcald]

Thanks, guys. All good info. Maybe eventually both. I'll probably look at an Artist first, since it will be lighter. Any other info you'd like to share would be appreciated.

[django49]

There are a lot more Artists out there too, so you will be able to find one generally at a better price, relative to a Monaco Elite. Keep your eyes open, decide what you want (like if you want to pay more for one with custom order features, fancier top, etc) and set your budget. There may be things that pop up in your area. Otherwise, you can consider doing a "want to buy" post here, listing the above decision points, and see who has something to sell.

Lots of good people here.

[Jakeboy]

I strongly encourage you to buy here. We tend to post very fair prices and every Hamer I have ever bought has come off this Forum....every deal has been righteous and exactly as described. Good peeps here +1000

[cmatthes]

The shelf is a total non-issue. Some of the people who have complained the loudest about it on other forums actually admitted that they'd never played one in person. Funny how it never bothers anybody on a 50's single cut LP Jr.!

[scottcald]

Great to know. Thanks so much. I'll have to assess what my budget is and get approval before barreling ahead.