USA Hamer FM Special vs Hamer xt SATP90 (neck contour)

[sjturbo]

Have not been here for some time but I know I can always find the answers I need here! Just for reference I mostly play my Echotone Aztec Gold. But when I want a solid body sound I play my 93' FM Special. I have been looking some SATP90 (XT) series because I miss my P90 sound. Question is what are the SATP90 XT series neck shape to? My Echotone neck is about 14" radius with a 25.5" scale. I actually prefer my Special neck as I have small hands. So question is what is it like. And what is the body construction I guess they were built in Korea and Indonesia. Is there a difference in quality? Should I look for one over the other? I would like to get a burst not the gold if that makes a difference. Any way I will appreciate any opinions I get! Thanks.

[Steve Haynie]

Go Korean if you must go with an Asian made guitar.

I have to second the advice to hold out for a USA model. You might find one with a neck to match your FM.

[sjturbo]

Thanks IC but I've seen the XT's go from $150 to $250 and that is far south of $750. I certainly know the USA special is much more guitar but I have a set of pu's already that I would like to drop in it and thought the XT would be a good donor. Do appreciate the advice though!

[Steve Haynie]

It has been a long time since trying out an XT series Hamer. Someone else is going to have to answer the original question about neck shapes.

[Toadroller]

My first actual Hamer was an XT ATP90 gold-top, Chinese. Beefy neck, rivals my Ibanez FRm Paul Gilbert, known for its thick neck. Quality is fine; still play it often. I put some GFS Soapbar P90s in it. I like the thicker neck.

I also had a Korean blue flame-top with humbuckers (sold it here, actually), whose neck was more of a medium like my 94 Specials.

[sjturbo]

Thanks Toadroller! Nice looking G Top! Is the gold color very close to the Les Paul? Or muted? Hope I did not insult anyone by not going for the US made. I just can't justify the high price spread at this point. I guess I should have asked the HFC experts to tell me about the XT A/T series construction first. I realize it is either veneer or photo top? Is the body and neck mahogany? What about the differences between Chinese, Korean and Indonesian? Again all opinions are appreciated!