Hamer

If there is a big miss along the way, then it's my failure to check out Hamer guitars while they were still available here. Hamer guitars used to be available at City Music once upon a time. This was a long while ago when the ZOOM 505 was everyone's gateway to enjoying multi-effect goodness without spending a bomb. I don't recall seeing a V back then but I remember there was an Explorer-type as well as a DC-type models on display. Subsequently, the Californian was available albeit briefly. What a miss. Anyway, Morbid Angel's Trey used to play this absolutely cool Hamer Vector (depicted above) but some say it's not a real vector as the headstock there mimics the Gibson version more than an in-house Vector design.

Pics: C Martinez FB

City Music Sale: Recommendations (Part 1)

Ah... the year-end City Music sale is here again, some stuff here for your considerations...

Echotone: If you're looking for an affordable semi, the Hamer Echotone should be on your list. It's a well-built guitar, nothing boutique grade though, but something very pleasant. Cleans are great from this guitar, especially some from the neck humbucker & the overdrive tones just sound very acceptable. For the discerning tone mongers, the Echotone sounds a little different as it sports a maple neck, not a mahogany piece like some others.

Sale: $466

Vector: OK, so the v-outline here might prove to be the attractive esthetic but that's besides the point. We should all prioritize tone & playability when it comes to an instrument selection which the Hamer Vector has aplenty- but the default humbuckers here are aimed at overdrive frenzies rather than squeaky clean moments. Be reminded though, of how practical all things of this contour would be when played sitting down. The alder (body) & maple (neck) combo also ensures inherent clarity.

Sale: $417