Hamer Cruise USA vs. Skyline well...everything!

[smcgov]

I hope I don't get killed here but I have modified my cruise a few times....I had lane poors in it...no go...stock was better...I currently have fender noiseless in it and use DR highbeams..I'll put it up against any jazz.

This is where people might get irked with me, I have a Uretro preamp that I'm going to have installed which means I'll have to drill a couple holes. I have a Fodera victor wooten and the Hamer plays just as well...the fodera sounds better...which made me consider putting a pope preamp in the hamer to see just how close I could get it to the sound.

[downtownwillie]

Originally Posted by Surprise Panda!

Do you have the review?

I use to own a cruise 5 string with the 2 tek bridge and it was awsome. I just bought a CB 5 from Guitar Center for $269 but it has the regular bridge (it just shipped so I'm waiting). How are these? is there alot of difference between the two? If you like Jazz style basses the CB is outstanding for the money. I bought mine from Bob Gilligan at Kaman, (I worked at a music store at the time) and was sorry I got rid of it.

[downtownwillie]

Originally Posted by nixdad

The US made Hamers are awesome (basses or guitars.) Hamer has never been given the credit they deserve. The quality and craftsmanship are second to none.

I was the western U.S. product specialist for Hamer (and Trace Elliot) for Kaman Music from 1993-1997, and worked closely with Jol on the design of the Cruisebass 4's & 5's.

When Kaman decided they wanted the new Cruisebass to be a traditional design (rather than a new design or a re-issue of the pointy 80's CB's,) our goal was to update the Fender Jazz bass. The 2-Tek bridge had just hit the market and received rave reviews, so we incorporated this into the design (a model with a standard bridge model was also available.) I designed the new pickguard, and suggested the matching headstock for certain colors and the asymetrical neck for the 5-string models (based upon the Tobias neck design.) We basically updated the instrument to bring it up to date for the times. Fender debuted their new updated P-bass and Jazz basses at the same NAMM show when we launched the new CB's (this was '95 or '96,) but their new models missed the mark and were not well received. Additionally, as far as I remember, the Cruisebass 4 string 2-Tek was the first bass to receive a perfect score in Bass Player Magazine.

The thing that drove me nuts about Hamer was the marketing approach. Instead of driving home to the public the fact that their instruments (guitars) stood up to anything by Gibson or Paul Reed Smith (they actually blew Gibson away) for a fraction of the price, they chose to run very artsy-fartsy ads. The ads were beautiful and classy (like the guitars, which I'm sure was the point,) but did little to raise public awareness. Like bassists, smart guitar players should be searching for older Hamers as well.

I still have the prototype CB 4-string 2-Tek metallic blue w/matching headstock that was used in the ads (the prototype has a 1 piece maple neck, not a 3 piece maple neck as was done for the production models.)

Thanks for letting me share a little bit of Hamer history. Enjoy your Cruisebass!

Can you tell me if there is a big difference between the cruise bass 5 string with the 2 tek and the regular bridge? I just purchased the latter and am waiting on it. Just curious. Do you know Bob Gilligan from Kaman?

[chef wong]

I'd go with the U.S. Hamer, even if the Lakeland was MIA. Who builds the OEM pickups for Hamer? It's Duncan isn't it?

[wyleeboxer]

Holy pulled out of the past thread!

I believe my pups in my CB are Duncan Vintage, sounds like any jazz bass should...

I did have my CB up for trade for a Lakland 44-02 b/c of the Lakland tone versatility. But Ive now decided to keep the Hamer and just work the passive controls to death. One of the best basses I've ever owned and need to keep it!

[noahw1]

I own a Cruise bass with the 2tek bridge and removed the stock pups about 3 years ago and replaced them with nordies. I bought the bass new in '97(?) and it was my main gigging bass until I bought a 55-02 two years ago. That being said I sold the 55-02 about 6 months ago, bought a P build bass here on TB and still have the Hamer.

[wyleeboxer]

Yeah my Hamer with the 2tek weighs a bit more then Im used too, I put some ultralite tuners on it which really helped with the balance, I get to use it in another side project now so it gets some use.
The Hamer could be my main bass if it was lighter or if I wasnt so in love with my US Schecter Jazz. Both are on par for being top notch Jazz basses that can compete with the best out there, Im a lucky guy

[chef wong]

Originally Posted by wyleeboxer

Yeah my Hamer with the 2tek weighs a bit more then Im used too, I put some ultralite tuners on it which really helped with the balance, I get to use it in another side project now so it gets some use.
The Hamer could be my main bass if it was lighter or if I wasnt so in love with my US Schecter Jazz. Both are on par for being top notch Jazz basses that can compete with the best out there, Im a lucky guy

You own both of those? Long scale, bolt-on bass heaven. Add a Jazz Plus and you've completed the trinity.

[wyleeboxer]

Yeah, both basses are kinda similar in a lot of ways, especially the neck feel and headstock shapes.

Does anyone make a triple bass case?