What’s your 2nd favorite guitar brand after Hamer?

[mudshark]

I like old Peavey T-Series guitars and basses.

[VECTOR]

15 years ago I would say Jackson,  10 years ago I would say PRS,  now it is Gibson. 

[crunchee]

I don't have an allegiance to a brand anymore, not since Hamer USA went away.  I just go with guitars on an individual basis nowadays...if I like it, I keep it.  If I don't, I won't.

Edited July 28, 2024 by crunchee

[santellavision]

For me, RS Guitarworks. I have 4 now and they are great guitars in every way. So nice to have Roy and Scott build them exactly like you want. 

Edited July 29, 2024 by santellavision

[cornjulio]

Well... I think Mike is pretty much carrying the torch for Hamer with his Shishkov custom guitars, so this is an obvious favourite of mine and the other has to be Nik Huber. Hes work ist amazing, even though I would say I prefer the slightly "simpler" builts. Love my Krautster II. Then again they have built amazing flamtops and they have an incredible eye for detail.

[stedge]

the original Van Nuys Schecters

 

then lots of others  

 

 

[Jimbilly]

(nobody is saying Fender..., am I the only one noticing?)

[Feynman]

I was actually going to say Fender.

[DaveH]

The favorite guitars I own are Hamer, and Gibson... Of the latter specifically, a 1996 '61 RI SG, and a 1992 'Les Paul Model' Classic. As for brands (since Hamer went defunct) it's up in the air... Whatever grabs me, as long as it is 24-3/4" mahog or korina,  and set-neck. That is the formula I seem to have bonded with. I have played short scale bolt-ons that I really liked, but never found a neck-thru that really spoke to me.

[cynic]

Out of the twenty-three instruments still with me, nine are Fender, Squier, or other brands in Fender shapes, so it would seem I lean towards them.

The only brands I own more than one of beyond that are Gibson (one electric, one acoustic) and Deering (one five string, one six string).

If I had to limit it to one it would be either the Gibson J-200 Jr or my Martin D-18.

[django49]

Hard pressed to beat my (ONE!) Shishkov. Seems unlikely I will be able to add the second I had hoped for. A dude in California may fill that gap.....Grez Guitars. Waiting until he adds the option I am seeking.

I have nothing but respect for Nik Huber. I do think Frank Hartung is every bit as good, with (arguably) a touch more personality. Or call it quirky.

I have had a few chats with David Myka and would likely commission a build IF he ever reopens his order book. (He and I have compared notes on woodworking projects).

Do love the guitars of Ron Thorn. Currently have 3, 3 of which are as good (and good looking) as anything I have ever had. But his prices have skyrocketed after the Fender days, so I doubt I will ever pick up another. (A lovely example recently posted at around $17k). Similar for Scott Walker (4 year backlog, not taking orders). Prices seemed to START at $10k last they were posted. I really SHOULD sell the 2 I have left......

Rick Turner goes on after the death of the founder. They are something a bit outta the ordinary. Def worth checking out if you get a chance. If I get a chance I MIGHT try their Electroline. Would be a good stable mate with the Model One.

Lots of things to ponder, not too much incentive to actually "invest" further. 😏

Edited July 29, 2024 by django49

[draelyc]

On 7/27/2024 at 10:04 AM, Travis said:

I’ve had more Hamers over the years than any other guitar. Coming in second would be the late 80’s to early 90’s Japanese Charvels (model/toothpaste series). 

Currently, other than my Mirages and Talladega, I have a Charvel 650xl and a couple of partscasters, with another build in process. 

I love that you said “MirageS”! ❤️

[Brooks]

This week its Gibson!

Warmoth & Ibanez are my usual go to's.

 

Edited July 31, 2024 by Brooks

[hamerhead]

On 7/28/2024 at 2:54 PM, crunchee said:

I don't have an allegiance to a brand anymore, not since Hamer USA went away.  I just go with guitars on an individual basis nowadays...if I like it, I keep it.  If I don't, I won't.

That's the case with me, too. There wasn't a Hamer I wouldn't try, and I would have kept them all if I could have. Nowadays it's sub-$500 stuff - by anybody - as long as it feels right.  Dillion, Peerless, Firefly, IYV, Squier, Guild and Cozart all share space with the remaining Hamers now.

[Dutchman]

I have never played a Huber or a Shishkov, but I'll wager my Melancon is close. Gerard build some incredible guitars before he left us. I'm glad I have one. Looking for another!

[currypowder]

Probably Tokai with Crews and Momose being right behind. Like Hamer, I never worry about the overall quality of these MIJ brands. I have no problem buying them sight unseen. In fact, given I find and import most of my purchases from Japan, I have little to no recourse should I end up with a dog.

[Armitage]

Dean, Hamer and BC. Rich have been my faves forever 

[The Shark]

6 hours ago, currypowder said:

Probably Tokai with Crews and Momose being right behind. Like Hamer, I never worry about the overall quality of these MIJ brands. I have no problem buying them sight unseen. In fact, given I find and import most of my purchases from Japan, I have little to no recourse should I end up with a dog.

The Ornetts you sold me is a killer guitar.  RIght up there.    

[Joe mama]

[Joe mama]

[The Shark]

13 hours ago, The Shark said:

The Ornetts you sold me is a killer guitar.  RIght up there.    

[HSB0531]

MusicMan, and the Stingray Bass in particular.  I haven't tried any new ones.

My '77 was the only bass I could bring anywhere and get a good sound on any song.

[HSB0531]

On 7/28/2024 at 3:54 PM, crunchee said:

I don't have an allegiance to a brand anymore, not since Hamer USA went away.  I just go with guitars on an individual basis nowadays...if I like it, I keep it.  If I don't, I won't.

Same here, and especially Fender.  When I was a kid, the Fender Precision Bass was to me, the holy grail of basses, and I thought that all I needed was that and an Ampeg SVT or Acoustic 371 and I'd sound just like all those bass players on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert LOLOLOL!! 

Edited August 6, 2024 by HSB0531

[kizanski]

3 minutes ago, HSB0531 said:

...I thought that all I needed was that and an Ampeg SVT ... and I'd sound just like all those bass players on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert LOLOLOL!! 

I know where you can get one.

[HSB0531]

1 hour ago, kizanski said:

I know where you can get one.

Don't tempt me.