Kramer @ SL

Alright folks, more Kramer guitars are starting to be available at Swee Lee. These are re-emergence models; nothing new but the '80s guitars brought back into production.

Also, they are introductory / mid-priced instruments, nothing costly.

Hoping more models will trickle into availability here. 

T - B: Pacer ($549) / Baretta Special ($259) / Focus VT ($199)

Pics: Kramer

Baretta

Kramer days are here again (at Swee Lee). Hopefully it will be in full bloom soon as this is the only instrument in the Kramer catalogue. If you wish to re-live a throwback moment of sort then this Baretta (List: $979) will help you get into the vibe. Of course, it's a niche appeal as not everyone embraces a single pickup affair. I'm interested in a Kramer but not the Baretta. For the money, you get an FR 1000 bridge & a Seymour Duncan humbucker which is a good deal. Be informed that the entire instrument is a maple affair so expect bright tones but the FR might upset this formula. You have to get your own bag for this, please be informed. 

Kramer!

We end January in the good knowledge that the Kramer name is still alive & kicking, now under Epiphone's watch. The Pacer (above) was one of the shredder's standard reference back then. This tiger finish screams '80s.

The Baretta is as simple as it gets with a lone Duncan JB in there.

But I prefer the '84, especially in this green finish. Between the Baretta & the '84, the latter sports a non-tilted headstock, body end truss rod access & a non-slanted humbucker but it's the Duncan JB as well so tone-wise, not much difference.

Last & certainly not least, it's the Holy Diving Kramer haunting our GAS list since forever, the Nightswan. Thank you, Kramer, for having the FR 1000 bridge in there & in my opinion, these guitars rank higher in terms of functionality compared to the recently reissued Fender HM Strat. 

Since these are now under the Epiphone distribution, I strongly urge dealers/ distributors everywhere to make them readily available in stores. If there's a good time to be selling these nostalgic models, it is now. Fender & LTD, among others, are playing the nostalgia cards this year, if dealers do not see the potential of Kramer doing likewise, it is at their loss.