The line-up includes six reissues from the brand’s best-selling Import Series guitars that feature classic Hamer designs.
Anaheim, CA (January 25, 2017) -- Responding to a growing market demand by retailers for its return, KMC Music today electrified its dealer network with the Winter NAMM 2017 re-introduction of Hamer Guitars, America’s original boutique guitar brand founded in 1973 in Wilmette, Illinois by Paul Hamer and Jol Dantzig. The line-up includes six reissues from the brand’s best-selling Import Series guitars that feature classic Hamer designs, the highest quality components and finishes.
NAMM 2017 marks the re-emergence of America’s original boutique guitar line — a line created 44 years ago in a small Illinois guitar shop that went on to become the guitar of choice for acts that span the globe, represent all musical genres, and four decades of performing artists,” said Jonathan Lee, Hamer Director of Design and Development. “Now this great iconic brand returns to NAMM to meet the pent up demand from a new generation of players with exact reissues of the most popular models Hamer has been selling for over 20 years.”
Before retiring from the stage in 2013, Hamer Guitars were seen, heard, and played around the world by acts that included Aerosmith, Bad Company, Blackfoot, Blues Brothers, Bon Jovi, Cheap Trick, The Cars, Def Leppard, Del Fuegos, Dire Straights, Eagles, Sammy Hagar, Hall & Oats, Billy Idol, Jethro Tull, Billy Joel, Kiss, Huey Lewis & the News, Gary Moore, Motley Crue, No Doubt, Neville Brothers, Night Ranger, Ted Nugent, Robert Palmer, The Police, The Pretenders, Judas Priest, Ratt, The Romantics, Savoy Brown, The Sex Pistols, Steve Simmons, Billy Squire, Third Eye Blind, Steve Vai, The Who, Wishbone Ash, and Warren Zane, among many others.
The Hamer Guitar models being reissued today at NAMM include the Vector Flame (VECF-HB). For years, the import version of the original Vector V Hamer guitar introduced in 1973 has been a top seller. The reissued model features a solid maple top with figured honey burst maple veneer, rosewood fingerboard, mahogany neck, Hamer-designed Humbucker pick-ups, and Master Volume/Dual Tone electronics. The Vector Flame carries a Manufacturer Advertised Price (MAP) of $799.99. Next up is the Standard Flame (STDF-CS) guitar that traces its roots to the original Hamer USA Standard guitar introduced in 1974. The reissued standard flame-top body model features a solid maple cap and figured cherry sunburst maple veneer, as well as a mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, Hamer-designed Humbucker pick-ups, Master Volume/Dual Tone electronics and a MAP of $799.99.
For those enthusiasts looking for the classic Hamer double cut-away body type, Hamer today reissued the Sunburst Archtop Flame Top (SATFW-DCB) guitar, historically a top selling import version of a Hamer guitar that made its debut in 1977. This gorgeous guitar has a solid maple top, figured maple veneer, dark cherry burst gloss finish, mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, Hamer-designed Humbucker pick-ups, and Master Volume/Dual Tone electronics. This same model is also available in a transparent black gloss finish (Model SATF-TBK). Model SATFW-DCB has a MAP of $799.99 while Model SATF-TBK has a MAP of $749.99.
The Hamer Special Junior (SPJ-NT) guitar is a slightly downsized version of the Sunburst guitar originally introduced by Hamer in 1980. It features a double cut-away body, mahogany body material and neck, rosewood fingerboard, single Dog-Ear P90 pick-up, and Single Volume/Single Tone electronics. It carries a MAP of $599.99.
Finally, for those that prefer a classic arch-top solid body, Hamer reintroduces its Monaco Flame (MONF-CS) single cut-away body guitar featuring a solid maple top, figured maple veneer, a cherry sunburst gloss finish, a rosewood fingerboard, Master Volume/Dual Tone electronics, and Hamer-designed Humbuckers. The Monaco Flame is available with a MAP of $749.99.
Gig bags are available separately for the entire line, which will be available for delivery at the end of January 2017.
“The idea of going ‘back to the future’ has never been truer,” Lee emphasized. “Those who have long wished for the return of this iconic guitar brand can now rejoice. These six models have been our best selling Hamer guitars for over 20 years. The guitars are incredible to see, feel, hear, and play. They’re ready to take the stage again!”
For more information:
Hamer Guitars
Day 9 of Stompboxtober is live! Win today's featured pedal from EBS Sweden. Enter now and return tomorrow for more!
EBS BassIQ Blue Label Triple Envelope Filter Pedal
The EBS BassIQ produces sounds ranging from classic auto-wah effects to spaced-out "Funkadelic" and synth-bass sounds. It is for everyone looking for a fun, fat-sounding, and responsive envelope filter that reacts to how you play in a musical way.
Positive Grid unveils Spark EDGE, a multi-channel smart amp & PA engineered for musicians demanding portability, versatility, and pro-level sound.
Positive Grid unveils Spark EDGE, a multi-channel smart amp & PA engineered for musicians demanding portability, versatility, and pro-level sound. Designed for everyone from singer-songwriters and buskers to acoustic duos and electric players, Spark EDGE packs 65 watts of studio-quality sound, built-in effects, and a looper into a lightweight, compact design. Capable of serving as an amp, PA, or personal monitor, Spark EDGE offers flexible connectivity for electric and acoustic guitars, bass, vocals, keyboards, and more. With optional battery power (sold separately), Spark EDGE delivers the freedom to perform anytime, anywhere.
Pro-Level Sound with Advanced Audio
Powered by Sonic IQ Computational Audio, Spark EDGE enhances every note with precision. Its tech-driven system features a dedicated computational audio chip that refines dynamic range, boosts vocal clarity, and deepens bass. The result? Precise, immersive sound in any setting. Complemented by an advanced speaker design—featuring a woofer, tweeter, and reflex ports—Spark EDGE delivers rich, full-bodied sound that brings any performance to life.
Seamless Multi-Instrument Connectivity
Featuring four versatile channels, Spark EDGE offers seamless connectivity for multiple instruments:
- Channel 1: Equipped with 36 amp models and 50 effects for electric guitars, acoustic guitars, bass, and vocals.
- Channel 2: Tailored with dedicated amp models and effects for vocals, bass, and acoustic guitars.
- Channels 3/4: Stereo input channels designed for keyboards, drum machines, and other instruments.
All the Gear in One App
The Spark App transforms Spark EDGE into a performance powerhouse:
- 36 Amps: Instant access to guitar, bass, and acoustic amp models
- 50 Effects: A comprehensive selection of built-in effects for any instrument
- Creative Groove Looper: Layer, loop, and experiment with over 100 drum patterns
- Spark AI: Automatically generate the ideal tone with AI-powered suggestions
- Smart Jam: Create dynamic backing tracks that adapt to any playing style
- Auto Chords: Real-time chord display for millions of songs
- 100,000+ Tones: A vast library of downloadable tones, created by musicians worldwide
Ready for the Road
Lightweight yet rugged, Spark EDGE is built to go anywhere. Featuring an ergonomic handle for easy carrying and a durable design that withstands the rigors of travel, Spark EDGE offers two listening angles—upright or tilted. In addition, an optional rechargeable battery (sold separately) offers up to 10 hours of playing time per charge.
Limited Edition Grilles
Limited-edition grilles (sold separately) allow for personalization, with bold designs like Sunburst and On the Edge offering a distinct, eye-catching look before the first note is even played.
Essential Extras
- Bluetooth® Streaming: Stream music directly through the amp and blend tracks with live performances using onboard volume control
- WiFi: Over-the-air firmware updates ensure seamless improvements, with no computer required
- Send stereo outs to the PA and use Spark EDGE as a monitor while maintaining tone control
- Compatible with Spark accessories including Spark Control X, Spark CAB, Spark LINK and more
Handmade in Japan, this bass features a bolt-on hard maple neck, alder body, VolaJS5-N neck and Vola JS5-B bridge pickups, and a Vola ATR-I Active 3-band EQ. Experience top-quality craftsmanship and tonal potential with the ZVA 5 Bass.
The tried-and-true ZVA bass is back, this time with additional range! The all-new 5-string version maintains its most prominent features while providing players with an expanded scope of tonal potential. Its bolt-on hard maple neck is equipped with 21 frets, a rosewood fingerboard, a 34.5” scale, and a Duracon nut for optimal performance. The modern C-shaped neck allows for easy access to the entire fretboard while maintaining perfect comfort. The body is made of alder, offering a balanced playing experience. From a hardware standpoint, the nickel components were manufactured by Gotoh, including the machine heads and a string-through bridge setup. The bass is equipped with VolaJS5-N neck and Vola JS5-B bridge pickups, coupled with a Vola ATR-I Active 3-band EQ and a handy mini switch for seamless transition between passive and active modes. Overall, the ZVA 5-string carries on its predecessor’s legacy with extended range and accessibility for every type of bassist.
Features Include
- Country of Origin: Handmade in Japan
- Construction: Bolt-on neck
- Body: Alder
- Neck: Maple/Rosewood, Vola Modern C shape (bass) 1F(21.5mm)/ 12F(24mm)
- Fingerboard: Maple, 9.5" Radius
- Inlays: Classic dot inlay
- Nut: 47.6mm Duracon nut with Zero Fret
- Frets/ Scale: 21 Frets/ 34.5"
- Pickups: Vola JS5 neck, Vola JS5 Bridge
- Electronics: 1 Volume, 1 Balance, Vola ATR-I Active 3band EQ, 1mini switch(passive/active)
- Hardware: Gotoh 303 SJ 5 Bass bridge w/String thru the body, Gotoh 404SJ-5(4:1) Tuners
- Strings: Daddario EXL-170-5SL 45-65-80-100-130 Super long
- Misc: 4mm Allen key for truss rod adjustment
- Country of Origin: Handmade in Japan
- Case: Vola Custom Series bass Gig bag
The Vola ZVA 5Bass is the culmination of Vola’s dedication to designing top-quality instruments for demanding players, without sacrificing the beauty that invites a closer look. Visit their website or your local Vola dealer for a closer look at the Vola ZVA 5 Bass. The Vola OZ Supernova has a street price of$1,189 USD. Vola Guitars now sells direct!
For more information, please visit volaguitars.com.
Introducing: The All-New ZVA 5 Bass - YouTube
If you’re new to Priest’s music or are trying to find your own starting point, we’ve got some great tips for guitar jammers. And if you’re a hardcore fan, maybe you’ve got some tips you can share for our next steps.
In this episode, we’re celebrating the thrill of guitarmony, sick riffs, and driving 8th-note rhythms by talking about Judas Priest. Before getting ready for this episode, neither of your esteemed hosts had ever delved into the Priest discography beyond the rock-radio hits and Beavis and Butthead—though we’d both spent our time with Heavy Metal Parking Lot. Since so many of the GOATs hold the band in the highest of regard, we knew that K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton belonged on this list, so we embarked on a journey to find out why.
After hours of listening and watching, we’re happy to report that we get it. From their debut, 1974’s Rocka Rolla, through 1980’s British Steel, deep into the ’80s-production era with 1986’s Turbo, and through the speed-metal bravado of 1990’s Painkiller, plus live videos and records—the super-loud US Festival performance and the crushing Unleashed in the East record—we found a lot that we love.