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Post by LittleC on Oct 31, 2007 10:49:22 GMT -7
If you haven't already heard, Hamer (under the Kaman umbrella) was acquired by FMIC.
Since my primary axes are HamerUSAs (although I do own other guitars) and my primary amps are Zs(although I do own other amps), I stand a good chance that my life has changed as I know it. At least as far as guitar playing goes and that search for the ultimate tone.
Anyway, the great debate is on as to whether this will turn out to be a good thing or a bad thing. My immediate thoughts went to: how would I feel if some conglomerate came along and scooped up Dr.Z?
Could be good, could be bad, but one thing’s for certain, life as we know it changes. At least as far as guitar playing goes and that search for the ultimate tone.
Make one wonder . . .
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Post by iggs on Oct 31, 2007 10:54:16 GMT -7
From the similar happenings in the past I can only assume it's a bad thing ... I can't really come up with a single example of a big corporate takeover (not limited to music equipment manufacturing) that resulted in a better product. Usually it ends up being about manufacturing cheaper, inferior product in order to boost volume and sales and always at the expense of quality.
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Post by billyguitar on Oct 31, 2007 11:24:56 GMT -7
Gretsches are generally considered improved now but they needed improving. Hamer doesn't need to be improved. I'd sure like to see a Talladega!
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Post by mooretonerocks on Oct 31, 2007 11:41:31 GMT -7
I have two Hamers, the Artist and Monaco Elite - incredible guitars. It would be a shame if Hamer's reputation goes down the tubes because of this. Even more so if their quality does as well. On the other hand, these are keepers and if they do go down, i am happy with what i got.
By the way, Hamer's website does not even have this press release posted yet. I found it on Harmony Central. Not a good sign to me.
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Post by ruger9 on Oct 31, 2007 13:50:44 GMT -7
yup- post-FMIC Gretschs are considered better than pre-FMIC. And I like fender as a company anyway. GIBSION, now that's a whole 'nother story...
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Post by LeftyLang on Oct 31, 2007 18:09:18 GMT -7
yup- post-FMIC Gretschs are considered better than pre-FMIC. And I like fender as a company anyway. GIBSION, now that's a whole 'nother story... The post FMIC Gretsch are better than the old. Hopefully they leave the Hamer alone and keep up the same quality.
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Post by bluzman on Oct 31, 2007 18:15:06 GMT -7
Well, if Jol Dantzig stays with the company, no problem... but if not... I can't see him NOT making guitars!
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Post by highway61south on Oct 31, 2007 18:19:28 GMT -7
We can always hope they won't screw things up................................Sterling
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Post by MeZadude on Nov 1, 2007 7:58:08 GMT -7
I have a couple of nice USA Hamers as well. A Korina V & a Newport. Beautiful instruments. I also have a fairly new Gretsch Country Classic. I owned a Gretsch Country Gentleman back in the late '60's, and this new one is just that much nicer than what I remember of the older one. I also agree, as long as Jol Danzig's still making guitars, they should be quality instruments, whether they're still Hamer's, or under some other name. MeZa
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Post by Hohn on Nov 1, 2007 10:24:19 GMT -7
I have a USA made Special that has killer LP jr tone. (P-90s).
I better go buy that Monaco Elite before they go to crap....
jmo
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Post by Phil (aka Phil) on Nov 1, 2007 13:36:38 GMT -7
I've got a Hamer Willcutt "Special K" and a Artist Korina P-90. They're two of the best guitars I've seen in 25+ years of playing, and I believe I'm not easily impressed.
Billyguitar- last time I was at Willcutt's I played a Talladega. It was one of the most resonant, toneful guitars I've ever seen. I'd have one right now if I hadn't been saving up for that Mazerati GT since Z-Fest. The sustain on that thing is *unreal*.
Phil
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Post by billyguitar on Nov 2, 2007 7:27:04 GMT -7
Thanks. the Talladega is calling me pretty strong but that's a lot of money. Someday maybe.
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Post by nitehawk55 on Nov 2, 2007 8:52:31 GMT -7
It will be interesting to see what happens . The thing I do not like with FMIC is they are getting too big and I don't believe their customer service is very good . I had a local shop tell me last time the Fender rep was in he was talking down how FMIC was handling a lot of issues with equipment poorly and pushing for more sales . I'm wondering what is going on with Heritage guitars , I sure hope FMIC doesn't get that too
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Post by stratosphere on Nov 3, 2007 12:30:18 GMT -7
Your best bet is to always buy from a company whose products are a result of one persons passion and vision. Product by commitee just isn't the same. Thats why the old fender stuff is so desirable and today you have buy the masterbuilt guitars to get quality. It's only a matter of time before Danzig leaves and when his non-competition clause runs out, starts a new company.
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Post by Hohn on Nov 9, 2007 0:09:38 GMT -7
If Kaman sold Hamer without Jol Danzig's permission, I doubt they could force any kind of non-comp clause upon him. If they sold Hamer WITH his permission, then that tells me he has enough control over the company to keep FMIC from meddling/ruining the company.
I mean KAMAN is also a HUGE company, but Hamer seemed to maintain autonomy even as part of that giant corporation.
I agree that we'll have to watch Jol and see if he bolts. If FMIC starts to poison his baby, you can almost guarantee either the company will be sold off to private investors or another company at his request, or he will depart and go make killer guitars under some other name.
Justin
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Post by cheycaster on Dec 2, 2007 8:29:40 GMT -7
I own a Guild Bluesbird made by FMIC and I totally love it. It's the only "LP" type I have. I dont know the pre FMIC history of the Guilds but I am happy with this one. It's flawless in all departments to me. They dis-continued them tho and that makes me wonder.......
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