BubbaVO

I grew up playing violin and had one. All the stringed instruments in orchestra needed them. I've seen 'em on acoustic guitars. Why no humidifier on the hollow bodied Hamers? If so, what kind?

Not really into the Teles. But that's really nice. Congrats!

Do you take PayPal?

Very cool! Congratulations on your growing family!

Guitar is ugly. And guy playing guitar reminds me of Joan Jett.

That's my favorite DT of all time. Muy Macho!

Well, F-Holes are classic (aka, Gibby's have them ). So, if Hamer is looking to make "modern classics", then F-holes are the way to go. Really, I'm thinking part of the reason is what I'm saying and part of the reason is MCC's manufacturing argument. Someone should have a dealer call them up and see if they'll do the archtop version with the 3 holes; how difficlut could it be to drill a few hole in a top? - Austin My focus is on the DuoTone. I don't think the Newports/Artists/Improvs ever had the 3 hole design. The DT switched to the 3hole. I agree with you that Hamer is trying to tap into that Gibson feel with Newports - very well I might add. I think they're less successful on Artists with the F hole on one side only - it's not a balanced look. I wonder if a high volume Hamer dealer has ever tried to get a modern 3 hole out the guys in CT?

I like the carved-tops too. I have one. But I think I'd like it better with the 3 holes than the "F". I agree that the 3 holes are a very simple design (if that's what you're getting at with the DIY / half assed comment). But there are plenty of simple designs that work - e.g., Nike swoosh; smiley faces;etc. One factor to consider when you're trying to make some kind of visual impact is the baggage (good or bad) associated with the image. One may like the look of a swasticka (I can't spell - I know) but walk around Highland Park, IL or Elkins Park, PA with one inked on the back of your skull and you'll get quite a response. Same principle applies to guitars, no? Jol clearly has a pretty good sense of aesthetics/design so why ignore the baggage of the "F" hole? Just trying to understand his thinking. (and yes..I wish Hamer would make shredders again. I love my early 90s Centaura. Wouldn't mind an update at all.)

IMHO the 3 hole had an art deco vibe that really gave the Hamers a very unique and timeless look. Switching to the F detracted from the presence of the instruments. Hard for me to think modern rock/jazz music when I see a design feature common to violins. So why'd they do it?

Feliz Cumpleanos!

Erasure and only Erasure. I'm so ashamed.

Tough to say. I have no idea what direction they'll go in the future. But thinking about what I have. I like the DuoTone really well - I love the versatility. But I love the way the Centaura's fit in my hands and tones. I think that one is a keeper. The archtop studio custom. Great guitar. But I'd be willing to part with it. As for other brands, I can't rule them out. There are great builders out there.

Musical preference is hard rock. Are there a lot of "tribute" bands in Phoenix? I suggest an opportunity to enhance your education. Why not a trip to the library? http://www.thelibraryusa.com/homepopups/live_music.htm

I totally dig Prince Valiant's guitar solo!

Have a blessed and happy 4th everyone! I had a conversation with a buddy of Japanese ancestry this morning. He marvelled at the generosity of this country. We've a horrible enemy to have and Hiroshima / Nagasaki are proof positive. But what a good friend - half a century later and Japan is a financial powerhouse. And that's nothing compared at how good life is here compared to elsewhere. Which explains why people risk their lives to come here legally and illegally. We are blessed to live here at this time. GBA! Now I'm going off and spend the day shootin' off fireworks with the kids. Scares the s#@! out of them and they love it. : )

1) KISS - Music from the Elder. 2) Styx - Every album. Dennis DeYoung makes every tune a show tune. 3) Laurie Anderson - Home of the Brave. A live album that you end up wondering what was the point of doing this crap live.

I think the Vector with the 3x3 non pointy headstock looks cool. I'm not sure why it's called a "custom" order if it's not.

Very cool. One of the most influential rockers I can think of from the songwriting and showmanship perspectives. Can you get him to sign it? That would be over the top!

I am ashamed. I know it's just plain wrong. But I like it anyway. Having said that, I'm not going to trade in my Chappy Super Strat (ssh & maple neck/fretboard & tobacco burst) for a Scooby Doo lunchbox slide guitar anytime soon.

Here we are in 2007. We spend tons of coin on guitars/amps to get a tone that sounds like an instrument made out of a broomstick and cigarbox. These instruments sound good! I've got to dig up plans on building electried versions of these. It just doesn't get any more primal than this!

That's what I'm talking about! Some of these instruments have bolts for nuts and bridges. It just cracks me up. But talk about tone!

There something dirty and cheap about this. Not that those two have ever kept me from starting a conversation. Just check this out ... http://www.jagshouse.com/auctions/amp4.mp3 Can you believe it? It makes me want to build one. Has anyone else out there come across this kind of stuff before? Here's another link to the builder's stuff. http://homepage.mac.com/bjagitsch/PhotoAlbum63.html