Hamer Sunburst Flametop - made in China

[Swifty]

I recently purchased this Sunburst Flametop. It had the serial number scratched off the back and I assumed it was made in Korea when I purchased.  However, after some sleuthing I found a couple of similar models online that clearly stated "Made in China".  Given that I believe this is from the early 2000's I was surprised as I have not seen reference to any chinese made imports from right at this time when manufacturing was being transitioned from Korea to Indonesia.  It appears to be identical to the Arch Top's that were being produced in Korea at that time. 

Does anyone have the backstory on these guitars?  Can you comment on the quality of these specific models? The finish is quite beautiful and the overall guitar plays well as though it was of somewhat better quality than other chinese imports of that era.  Any information you can provide would be appreciated!

 

[Victor (Fret Friend)]

AFAIK, Hamer imports were not made in Korea after 1998 except for the Deluxe models ie: Cali Deluxe etc (which were made up until 2002). After that, production was China and maybe Indonesia...

[Swifty]

My understanding was that they were produced in Korea up to around 2002. But I could stand corrected. In fact, I just purchased this one for $375 that was purchased new in 2002. So unless it was sitting in the store for 4 yrs that would put the production a little later.  Anyone else have input on this?

https://reverb.com/item/38370597-hamer-sunburst-archtop-electric-guitar-with-case-in-midnight-wine-burst-made-in-korea-2000-2002 

[Victor (Fret Friend)]

I already said Deluxe model versions were made in Korea 2000-2002 which was after main import production ceased at the Cort Factory in 1998. I understood all import production moved to Indonesia/China after 1998. I had a Deluxe Cali from 2000-2002 which was definitely made in Korea...

[Swifty]

Totally understood and I'm still learning the ins and outs. I will post separately regarding the MIK I just bought when I receive it.  Still hoping to learn more about the Chinese made one if anyone has information.

[Victor (Fret Friend)]

The China-made imports (XT-Series) were made from 1998-2012 then all production ceased at the demise of Hamer USA (FMC-incarnation). The latest incarnation of imports are from 2017 and I believe are Kaman-owned. They are not Hamer's in my mind...

[Swifty]

Okay, so this is likely an XT-series before they actually had XT on the headstock. That would make sense I suppose.

I guess Fender spun KMC off in 2015. The new XT's get decent reviews from what I've seen but I haven't played one. I wonder how closely they follow the original Hamer specs for the models they do produce.