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3 Holes to "F"


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Posted

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?

Posted

Great question. The 3-holers are infinitely cooler than the F-hole version. Probably has something to do with ease of production (arched tops with F-holes also appear on the Artists). And then there's always the possibility that Jol simply never liked/stopped liking the 3-hole design, which is what did in the shredders and bolt-ons.

Posted

I always thought the 3-holes looked kind-of DIY and half-assed myself. Plus, I prefer the carved-top of the F-holers. Maybe Jol agrees?

-Austin

Posted

I hate F holes. The old Gretsch tiger eye is the best looking arch top cutout ever IMO.

Posted

I always thought the 3-holes looked kind-of DIY and half-assed myself. Plus, I prefer the carved-top of the F-holers. Maybe Jol agrees?

-Austin

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.)

Posted

I always thought the 3-holes looked kind-of DIY and half-assed myself. Plus, I prefer the carved-top of the F-holers. Maybe Jol agrees?

-Austin

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.)

Well, F-Holes are classic (aka, Gibby's have them B)). 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? :lol:

-

Austin

Posted

I always thought the 3-holes looked kind-of DIY and half-assed myself. Plus, I prefer the carved-top of the F-holers. Maybe Jol agrees?

-Austin

Well, F-Holes are classic (aka, Gibby's have them B)). 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? :lol:

-

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?

Posted

i prefer the flat top & 3 holes.

the flat spruce top emulates an acoustic.

the 3 holes is a modern look that is unique to duotones;

most everybody uses f holes.

duotones1.jpg

Guest Meshuggah
Posted

Cuz' 3-holes RULE and FU-holes SUCK, that's why!!

+20 infinitely better exposed picture of smiting!! :lol:

<insert bwaa-haa-haa here>

duotone.jpg

Posted

Cuz' 3-holes RULE and FU-holes SUCK, that's why!!

+20 infinitely better exposed picture of smiting!! :lol:

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

Posted

I hate F holes. The old Gretsch tiger eye is the best looking arch top cutout ever IMO.

If there's anything I hate more than F holes, it's guitars with ONE F hole.

Posted

i think if they put the knobs on a curve like the holes are then those duotone guitars would look way sweeter....one mans opinion

Posted

I hate F holes. The old Gretsch tiger eye is the best looking arch top cutout ever IMO.

If there's anything I hate more than F holes, it's guitars with ONE F hole.

Agreed. Looks out of balance.

Posted

You think these are ugly, Kiz?

thinline.jpgg-santa-tele_thin.gifFenderThinline-1969.jpeg

70scremethinline.jpgCSTE69THINLINERELICBLKall.JPG

Posted

Man, the subject line of this thread is some blatantly false advertising.

Again, I'm glad i'm not the only horndog here...

Posted

You think these are ugly, Kiz?

Just this one.

70scremethinline.jpg

(That fossil playing it makes it look bad).

Anyway, the Tele Thinline is the exception that proves my rule (sorry Peso).

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