My new offset

[serial]

OK, so it's not a Fender, but anyone who is familiar with the Hamer Cruisebasses knows what these are about-IMHO they totally destroy anything but a select few vintage Fenders.  This one is "new", even though they discontinued the bass in 1997.  A buddy of mine has had it for a long time doing the finish.  I think that it will be worth the wait.  UPS guy is supposed to bring her to me friday.  They were NEVER offered in this finish!

[Infliktor]

Wow

Will your friend do sparkle jobs for others?

[cmatthes]

That IS the coolest Cruisebass ever - and mine is one of my two main gigging basses.

As far as our pal, he's done two sparkle jobs for me - here's the latest one:

[Infliktor]

So can I contact this guy?

[FireAarro]

So basically anything Hamer USA is unbelievably awesome and not expensive?

[serial]

Most of the used stuff isn't expensive at all-usually comparable in the range of Epiphones and used Gibsons (most used Hamers can be had for under $1000) and I think exceeds PRS quality easily, although the market has started to take off quite a bit as more people "discover" them.  I've been playing Hamer stuff for almost 25 years and it's always been at the high/highest end of what's out there build-quality wise.  The new stuff is a bit pricey by comparison, but they're also only "churning" out about three guitars a day.  The attention to detail is second to none at the new shop (they moved to CT in 1997 from Chicago).  I'm a big fan of the vintage Hamer stuff since that was the pinnacle of guitardom when I started playing in the late 70s.  Like anything, you'll find a guitar here or there that's not a complete knockout, but Hamer is probably the only brand I'd buy sight unseen and not worry about it being a subpar or even average guitar.

My friend takes on side work from time to time as his schedule permits-he's the finish guy for Gadow Guitars and does some spectacular finishing.

[geoffreysnow]

how do the filterons sound?

[cmatthes]

The 'Trons are perfect for this guitar.  First usable bridge pickup I've had in a Strat, and I still get the "quacky" stuff at 2 and 4 positions.  Great clean tones, nice, airy and jangly - it dirts up really well too.  Really makes it a versatile guitar.