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Sneak Peek: Gary Kramer Guitars Crusader Series

A sneak peek into Gary Kramer''s latest product line: the Crusader Series

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The superstrat is back, and to celebrate, Gary Kramer Guitars has released the Crusader series. The Crusader series consists of three new models: Conquest, Cathedral, and Illusionist, all honoring the glory days of the early eighties.

Collectively, the Crusader USA models feature several unique Gary Kramer ideas, including the patented two-piece recessed iron cross neck plates and hydro-cut aluminum plates found on early aluminum-neck Kramer guitars.

Players will immediately notice the player-friendly smooth-oiled neck, 43mm wide nuts for better string spacing, and carefully rolled edges for that vintage “played-in” feel. The Crusader’s volume knob features a rubber grip for improved handling and wiring that prevents unwanted loss of high frequencies while performing delicate volume swells.

Deluxe Crusader models feature a double humbucker layout with an optional series/parallel wiring, which keeps this instrument absolutely noiseless, even at the highest gain settings.

Only a handful of names are as synonymous with guitars as Gary Kramer’s. His impact on the evolution of the guitar, first with the introduction of the aluminum set-neck Travis Bean, and later with his Kramer brand, easily places him in the book of guitar world pioneers.

The 2009 Gary Kramer collection represents guitar design at its finest. Both the boutique line of American-made guitars and the high quality import series are a confirmation that Gary Kramer’s vision is still A Step Ahead.

The Illusionist
As the name states, the Illusionist is the one to watch closely. This model features Gary Kramer’s patented body shape, which brings out a complex carved “Illusionist” pickguard. The mahogany body delivers smooth, compressed sustain with warm highs, and the matching color pickup transforms this classic double cutaway shape into a fine crafted piece of modern art.
Specs:
Construction: Bolt-on
Scale: 25.5”
Frets: 22 Jumbo
Fingerboard radius: 10” (25.4cm)
Neck: Selected hard maple
Fingerboard: Indian rosewood
Position markers: Dots
Headstock shape: Crusader
Body: Mahogany
Body shape: Crusader with “Illustionist” pickguard
Bridge: Double locking Gotoh
Tuners: Gotoh with pearl buttons
Nut size: R-3 (43mm)
Strap buttons: Dunlop locking
Controls: 500K master volume
Controls (Deluxe model only): 500K Master volume, 3-way, 2 mini switches
Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan JB – zebra
Neck Pickup (Deluxe model only): Seymour Duncan Jazz – zebra
Hardware: Chrome
Neck finish: Hand rubbed blend of oil and waxes
Body finish: High gloss polyester
Custom Shop case: Included

Cathedral
Cathedral brings class and elegance to the Crusader USA line. Stunning maple bent tops combined with zebra pickups are a favorite choice for many musicians. Paired with their mahogany backs, Cathedral guitars can be described as well-balanced instruments with a killer growl.
Specs
Construction: Bolt-on
Scale: 25.5”
Frets: 22 Jumbo
Fingerboard radius: 10” (25.4 cm)
Neck: Selected hard maple
Fingerboard: Indian rosewood
Position markers: Dots
Headstock shape: Crusader
Body: Mahogany
Body top: Flame maple bent top
Body shape: Crusader
Bridge: Double locking Gotoh
Tuners: Gotoh with pearl buttons
Nut size: R-3 (43mm)
Strap buttons: Dunlop locking
Controls: 500K master volume
Controls (Deluxe model only): 500K master volume, 3-way, 2 mini switches
Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan JB – zebra
Neck Pickup (Deluxe model only): Seymour Duncan Jazz – zebra
Hardware: Chrome
Neck Finish: Hand rubbed blend of oil and waxes
Body finish: High gloss polyester
Hard case: Included

Conquest
Conquest is the entry-level model for musicians who seek a true eighties-vibe custom shop guitar. This model is also a great platform for the wildest graphics of your choice. Their alder bodies are fluent with midrange sound qualities, while the Seymour Duncan pickups deliver the proven heritage of Duncans.
Specs
Construction: Bolt-on
Scale: 25.5”
Frets: 22 Jumbo
Fingerboard radius: 10” (25.4 cm)
Neck: Selected hard maple
Fingerboard: Indian rosewood
Position markers: Dots
Headstock shape: Crusader
Body: Alder
Body shape: Crusader
Bridge: Double locking Gotoh
Tuners: Gotoh with pearl buttons
Nut size: R-3 (43mm)
Strap buttons: Dunlop locking
Controls: 500K master volume
Controls (Deluxe model only): 500K master volume, 3-way, 2 mini switches
Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan JB – zebra
Neck Pickup (Deluxe model only): Seymour Duncan Jazz – zebra
Hardware: Chrome
Neck Finish: Hand rubbed blend of oil and waxes
Body finish: High gloss polyester
Hard case: Included

For more information:
Gary Kramer Guitars