QueenCityGuitars Posted June 7, 2014 Posted June 7, 2014 Up for sale is my 1987 Hamer Phantom. The story of this guitar is (somewhat) interesting. So, here goes. I custom ordered this guitar when I was 16 years old from the Sam Ash store on 48th Street in Manhattan (before they were a nationwide chain) with the help of salesperson Lisa Sharken. Lisa now writes for Premier Guitar, Vintage Guitar, and is knowledgable in all things concerning hard rock and metal guitars. I was a huge Judas Priest fan, Glenn Tipton in particular, and my parents let me custom order this guitar while visiting my uncle in New York City. It has several custom ordered features I was into at the time: 24 frets (which is relatively unusual for a Phantom), LED lighted fretmarkers (with on/off toggle), ebony fretboard, Strat output jack, no neck pickup or pickguard, and a factory Original Floyd Rose tremolo. After owning this guitar from 1987 to 1989, I sold it to a friend in high school when I started teaching guitar at a store that was a PRS dealer (which I've played and collected ever since). Around 1990, I moved and lost contact with the friend I sold the guitar to. Fast forward 20 years and, out of the blue, I get an funny email from him picking up our last conversation from 1990 debating which guitarist was "better", Dave Mustaine or George Lynch. Anyway, I ened up getting the guitar back from him and have owned it ever since. In the 20 years I didn't own this guitar, it was played extensively. I have considered restoring it but have resisted due to the fact that it's all original and a very unique Hamer. I have teetered back and forth on making it perfect again (which I would prefer...you know how the PRS guys are ) and keeping it original (which a Hamer enthusiast would prefer). The guitar plays and sounds great but I've played PRS guitars for so long now that I just can't get used to playing the Phantom again. So, I think it's time for this guitar to go to a new home where the owner will play it and appreciate it for what it is. Here are some recent pictures of it: *without flash *with flash As you can see from the pictures it is missing its truss rod cover and tremolo back plate cover. Included are the tremolo arm, Schaller strap locks (ordered factory with the buttons countersunk), and original hardshell case. I'm a lurker here and don't post often so please let me know if "offers" break a forum sale rule. I've bought and sold hundreds of PRS guitars on the old Birds and Moons site as well as Vintage Rocker, PRSForums, and Rig-Talk. I can provide references if needed and I'm good friends with a member here named GC Ron. He and I have been friends for around 15 years and I've bought a considerable amount of PRS guitars from him. As far as the price is concerned, I really have no idea how to price it. It's a very unique guitar and I can't find a comparable completed sale. I'm asking $1,200 but I'm open to offers. Please message me or email ([email protected]) with offers, suggestions, or any questions you have. I won't give it away (as you can tell by the novel I have a history with the guitar) but I don't want to kill anyone on it either. I just want a fair price and I want it to go to an owner who's into it and will play and appreciate it. Thanks for looking (and reading).
polara Posted June 7, 2014 Posted June 7, 2014 Very cool story and guitar. It IS a rule to list a price, for reasons you can imagine... it's a pretty tight community and it can create some weirdness. I'd PM HamStd or serial or any of the senior folks hearer to get a good price idea. The downside of really unique guitars is that the price is usually up to what ONE seller and ONE buyer decide... no real market guidelines. Good luck and welcome!
serial Posted June 7, 2014 Posted June 7, 2014 Not exactly a GT, but very cool. $1200 is a fair price I'd think if no damage.
QueenCityGuitars Posted June 7, 2014 Author Posted June 7, 2014 Thanks for the heads up, polara. I did a basic search for "Hamer Phantom" on eBay's completed listings and saw an '83 Phantom sold in May of 2014 for $1,200 plus shipping: LINK It was in better condition but was the common 22-fret Phantom with pickguard, standard bridge, 3-per-side tuners, etc. I am open to offers. Thanks!
QueenCityGuitars Posted June 7, 2014 Author Posted June 7, 2014 Not exactly a GT, but very cool. $1200 is a fair price I'd think if no damage. Please excuse my Hamer ignorance. I always assumed the 6-per-side headstock tuners indicated it was a Phantom "GT" and it's been 27 years since I placed the order. Thank you for the heads up.
polara Posted June 7, 2014 Posted June 7, 2014 Phantom pricing is INSANE. I had an immaculate Phantom A5 with sustain block vibrato and clean OHSC in gunmetal grey that I eBayed 18 months ago for $575. And then a 6-on-a-side A7 in OHSC a month later, with all the synth stuff in working order, for a measly $600.I'm very happy for the seller of the A5 above but I had to sell two of 'em to clear that much.
QueenCityGuitars Posted June 7, 2014 Author Posted June 7, 2014 Phantom pricing is INSANE. I had an immaculate Phantom A5 with sustain block vibrato and clean OHSC in gunmetal grey that I eBayed 18 months ago for $575. And then a 6-on-a-side A7 in OHSC a month later, with all the synth stuff in working order, for a measly $600. I'm very happy for the seller of the A5 above but I had to sell two of 'em to clear that much. I'm sorry you didn't get a similar price, polara. Thanks for the heads up but I was contacted pretty quickly at that price, which made me wonder if I priced it too low.
serial Posted June 7, 2014 Posted June 7, 2014 A5s went to 6 in line in 84. GTs were A5s with a single humbucker, master volume and s Kahler. 22 frets. Yours is a custom Phantom. Very cool!
peedenmark7 Posted June 7, 2014 Posted June 7, 2014 Who doesn't love LED's ?Heck it even has a floyd, which should be an automatic sale given most Hame guitars are handicapped with kahlers.. Sublime guitar !
QueenCityGuitars Posted June 7, 2014 Author Posted June 7, 2014 Thank you! It is a sublime guitar...and it is sold. I figured it would go fast. I'm glad to see it going to a good home.
polara Posted June 7, 2014 Posted June 7, 2014 If ever there was $1200 Phantom its this one. I see seller's remorse coming
Guest gearwhore Posted June 7, 2014 Posted June 7, 2014 fuck....really...I would have grabbed this...to dam busy grrrr.. ..if it falls through I will take it..... Phantom pricing is INSANE. I had an immaculate Phantom A5 with sustain block vibrato and clean OHSC in gunmetal grey that I eBayed 18 months ago for $575. And then a 6-on-a-side A7 in OHSC a month later, with all the synth stuff in working order, for a measly $600. I'm very happy for the seller of the A5 above but I had to sell two of 'em to clear that much. on another note Hey rick give me a shout I am ready to finish up I have your "order" ready...and if you have any more cheap hamers,I want a phantom, like havent bought enough from you ...just send them my way That goes for anyone else I love them bargain hamers, sustain blocks are the preferred ...but kahlers and floyds considered
DBraz Posted June 8, 2014 Posted June 8, 2014 Thank you! It is a sublime guitar...and it is sold pending payment. I figured it would go fast. I'm glad to see it going to a good home. Happy days!
QueenCityGuitars Posted June 8, 2014 Author Posted June 8, 2014 Thank you! It is a sublime guitar...and it is sold pending payment. I figured it would go fast. I'm glad to see it going to a good home. Happy days! On its way, David!
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