USA Californian "Chris Johnson" signature model????

[MesaTone85]

 

I have searched all of the models online and have only found 2 models that come very close to mine. One in Japan and the other in Russia.

The difference with mine is that it has EMGs, an ebony fretboard, the push pull system for the humbucker, and this mysterious "Chris Johnson" above the Hamer logo and on the original case. I couldn't find of he is an artist or the exclusive luthier. I do have pictures but being new to this site I have no idea how to pay them but I will send them through email if someone thinks they can help me out with getting the full story behind this model.

One thing I know for sure is that I have stumbled upon an absolute gem. I somewhat felt like one does on the antique roadshow when finding out that they have something rare and very precious. Hahaha

[RobB]

Greetings and welcome to the board! I’m sure you will have some real info on your guitar shortly. If it says “USA” after the “r” you definitely have a USA model, but a serial# would be helpful, too.

As far as posting pics, it’s really easy:

Navigate down to “Attach Files” at the bottom of the post window.

Select, “Choose Files.” A window should pop up of your PC/Mac’s My Computer/Finder window. Find the picture on your hard drive and select the picture.

The pic should upload to the bottom of the window with a blue progress bar. When it’s done, click “Add to Post."

And you’re done!

[cmatthes]

It's a late '80s/early '90s Cali Deluxe.

Alder body, EMGs, ebony board with two boomers, bolt on neck.

The "Chris Johnson" on the headstock was available as an option by whoever ordered it as a nominal upcharge. The Red is a great color!

[MesaTone85]

Thanks a bunch! Really happy to know the exact model. The only thing that I find curious is that on the headstock it has very plain font of this guy's name but the case also has his name printed on top of the Hamer name, but it was printed as his actual cursive signature in the exact gold print as the Hamer name itself. Was that also a custom option?

[RobB]

The only thing that I find curious is that on the headstock it has very plain font of this guy's name but the case also has his name printed on top of the Hamer name, but it was printed as his actual cursive signature in the exact gold print as the Hamer name itself. Was that also a custom option?

Most definitely. Don’t see many Hamer cases with the customers’ signatures in gold cursive. This guy either had mad props at the Hamer shop or a good bit of money for his custom orders, haha!

[Keoghpjk]

I think having your name printed on the case is a badass custom option. I'd not heard of that one before.

Nice guitar by the way, love the red finish.

[cmatthes]

I don't think it was printed on the case - it looks like gold paint pen to me.

[RobB]

I don't think it was printed on the case - it looks like gold paint pen to me.

Well, thanks for that, Captain Buzzkill!

[specialk]

Welcome and congrats! Beauty of a Cali.

Say, I know a Chris Johnson. If you'll send me the guitar, I'll see that he gets it back.

Seriously, great score.

[mrjamiam]

Outstanding find! I guess I should actually go into a pawn shop now and then.

[MesaTone85]

I don't think it was printed on the case - it looks like gold paint pen to me.

You know I hadn't thought of that, but you may be correct. It looks extremely convincing.

[MesaTone85]

I don't think it was printed on the case - it looks like gold paint pen to me.

Well, thanks for that, Captain Buzzkill!

hahaha Yeah here I thought I was sitting on a "One of a Kind". Though I guess it still is. Either way this is my first Hamer to own and I love it. For a guitar being close to 30 years old the previous owner took great care of it as will I.

[MesaTone85]

Welcome and congrats! Beauty of a Cali.

Say, I know a Chris Johnson. If you'll send me the guitar, I'll see that he gets it back.

Seriously, great score.

Hahahaha nice try!!! Tell him he's gonna have to pay double the cost he originally paid for the custom make, plus inflation. hahahaha

Thanks

[MesaTone85]

Outstanding find! I guess I should actually go into a pawn shop now and then.

I use to work at a pawn shop myself and this is the greatest find I have found thus far, but pawn hopping is always a fun thing.

[MesaTone85]

Thank you guys for helping unfold the mystery behind this great guitar. Funny how it still has so much story to tell that I'll never know. Well here's to the rest of it's journey, and it creating a new Hamer Fan.

[Jason01]

My first Hamer was a pawn shop find. 20 years later I still have the Hamer bug.

[sixesandsevens]

My first Hamer was a pawn shop find. 20 years later I still have the Hamer bug.

But do you still have your first Hamer?

[Tres Aardvarks]

My first Hamer was a pawn shop find. 20 years later I still have the Hamer bug.

But do you still have your first Hamer?

My first Hamer was also a pawn shop find, and yes, I do still have it

[Jason01]

My first Hamer was a pawn shop find. 20 years later I still have the Hamer bug.

But do you still have your first Hamer?

Actually no, its in Australia now. I still miss it from time to time. I've bought and sold a number of Hamers over the years gradually replacing what I liked with what I really liked.

[carfish7]

So THAT'S where it went!!!!

Signed,

CJ

[cmatthes]

I was wondering when you would see this, Chris!

[MesaTone85]

My first Hamer was a pawn shop find. 20 years later I still have the Hamer bug.

But do you still have your first Hamer?

My first Hamer was also a pawn shop find, and yes, I do still have it

I like the graphics on that. NICE! !

[MesaTone85]

Hahaha