Hamer

Overview

Hamer Guitars was an American manufacturer of electric guitars and basses, founded in 1973, known for high-quality custom instruments inspired by Gibson designs like the Explorer and Flying V, later expanding to traditional shapes. It emphasized vintage aesthetics and innovations, producing both USA-built premium models and imported versions after acquisition by Kaman Music. The brand targeted musicians seeking collector-grade guitars before halting production in 2012.²¹

History

Hamer Guitars was founded in 1973 in Wilmette, Illinois, by Paul Hamer and Jol Dantzig, who operated a vintage guitar shop called Northern Prairie Music and began building custom guitars. Incorporated in 1976, it relocated from Palatine to Arlington Heights, Illinois, in 1980, and was acquired by Kaman Music Corporation in 1988, leading to imported models under the brand. Kaman was bought by Fender in 2007, after which Hamer moved to New Hartford, Connecticut, and went out of business in late 2012.²¹³

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Early instruments were built in-house in Illinois facilities in Wilmette, Palatine, and Arlington Heights until 1997. After Kaman acquisition, production included imported guitars sold under the Hamer brand, with USA factory relocated to New Hartford, Connecticut, until closure in 2012.¹³

Notable Products

• Hamer Standard - Gibson Explorer-inspired solidbody electric guitar, flagship model from early catalogs.
• Hamer Vector - Flying V-shaped offset guitar, known for aggressive aesthetics and playability.
• Hamer Sunburst - Single-cutaway guitar mimicking Gibson Les Paul design with modern features.
• Quad 12-String Bass - First 12-string bass featured in 1978 catalog, produced from 1978-2012.
• Sustainiac Models - Guitars equipped with Sustainiac for infinite sustain effects.

Reputation

Enthusiasts praise Hamer for superior build quality, playability, and vintage-inspired designs in USA-made models from the 1970s-1990s, often comparing favorably to Gibson. Professionals valued custom options and innovations like 12-string basses. Criticisms focus on quality decline after imports under Kaman/Fender and abrupt 2012 closure, though pre-1997 instruments retain strong collector demand.¹²