Why did Hamer switch to Archtops on the Sunburst (double cut aways)

[wrtx]

Figured someone might know why Hamer went away from the flat top to the archtop design? For what it's worth, think it was a mistake, but clearly subjective. Thanks Hamer fans!

[cynic]

To give Mike Shishkov the opportunity to perfect his mad carving skills.

[Travis]

My guess would be to offer something a bit more “upscale” as carved tops are a bit more labor intensive to produce compared to flat tops, and generally seem to be seen as such (upscale). Besides, they still offered the Special/Special FM for those who preferred a flat top.

On a side note, I had a ‘78 B&C Sunburst and a ‘95 Special FM. The 78 sounded a bit “woodier” and “vintagey” but the 95 Special FM was a better playing guitar and much more solidly put together.

[BoogieMKIIA]

I would agree that the carved top is considered higher end, like a Les Paul Standard to a Les Paul Special.
 

 Would be interesting if there was any thought about tonal properties. When Willcutt had the Korina Specials, someone told me the way the flat top responded was part of the sound. The pickups wouldn’t know that but perhaps there was something to do with string vibration. I think it was mostly a nice piece of Korina. Could have bought one for around $1600 new back then.

[crunchee]

To the OP: Why do you think it was a mistake to go from the early 'flat top' design to a carved top design?  Because the 'flat top' design had the sustain block bridge?  Or for some other reason?

[wrtx]

Purely aesthetics. I prefer the look of the flat top versus that of the arch top. Probably because I was introduced to Hamer's through Cheap Trick a million years ago and they played those in addition to Rick N's amazing Hamer standards. Subjective of course.