1970s Hamer 12 String Quad Bass

[Homz]

Hi there

I have recently acquired a 12 string Hamer Quad bass from I believe the late 70s.

I have read that there were maybe only 6 of these ever made (?).

I'm hoping someone might be able to help me piece together the history, maybe somebody recognises the stickers?

I'd love to find out as much as I can about this amazing bass, so any help would be greatly appreciated.

By the way I bought it in London, England. These are the only pics I have at the moment. It is currently at the shop having a once over.

Many thanks

 

[maxschrek]

Possibly one of the rarest basses ever! Congratulations!

 

[Homz]

Possibly one of the rarest basses ever! Congratulations!

Thanks Maxschrek

I've read that the first one was made for Tom Peterson of Cheap Trick in 78. I think he had a couple like this made for him after have a 10 string Hamer made. Also apparently used by John Entwistle on the Quadrophenia album.

It would be great (if poss), to find out who this particular bass was made for back in the day or if it was used on an album or on stage etc.

 

[spufman]

They talk about these in the Hamer Ultimate book. I'll look later on, to see if they mention any particulars that might give a clue. Also, WOW!

 

[Gee Man]

Dig it, guessing its been heavily modded since leaving the factory. The folks over on Hamer Fan Club Message Center would love to see that and will probably have some decent info for you on that sweet bass.

 

[Homz]

They talk about these in the Hamer Ultimate book. I'll look later on, to see if they mention any particulars that might give a clue. Also, WOW!

Wicked. Thanks Spufman. Any clues would be well appreciated!

 

[mdogs]

Thanks Maxschrek

I've read that the first one was made for Tom Peterson of Cheap Trick in 78. I think he had a couple like this made for him after have a 10 string Hamer made. Also apparently used by John Entwistle on the Quadrophenia album.

It would be great (if poss), to find out who this particular bass was made for back in the day or if it was used on an album or on stage etc.

I doubt Entwistle used one on Quadrophenia since that album came out long before these were built.

 

[Homz]

Dig it, guessing its been heavily modded since leaving the factory. The folks over on Hamer Fan Club Message Center would love to see that and will probably have some decent info for you on that sweet bass.

Cheers Gee Man. Just waiting for my registration to be approved for The Hamer Fan Club forum so fingers crossed someone on here or there should be able to shed some light on it!

 

[Homz]

I doubt Entwistle used one on Quadrophenia since that album came out long before these were built.

That is very true. I read it somewhere but you're right the dates dont tie up. I think Entwistle may have owned one at some point though.

 

[robd]

I don't think I've ever seen so many knobs on one bass....

 

[marcnorth]

John Entwistle Gear: 1975-1985 | John Entwistle Bass Gear | Whotabs
Go here and scroll down and you'll see a pic of his Hamer quad bass. Cool bass by the way!

 

[Homz]

John Entwistle Gear: 1975-1985 | John Entwistle Bass Gear | Whotabs
Go here and scroll down and you'll see a pic of his Hamer quad bass. Cool bass by the way!

Wicked! Thanks marcnorth!

 

[spufman]

Here ya go. Whoever ordered it put out the big bucks, likely someone in a serious touring band. P.S. Buy the fantastic book. Hamer was an important part of guitar history, kicking the big boys back into shape.

 

[Pings Bass]

Wow, that is sweet. Congrats.

 

[Homz]

Here ya go. Whoever ordered it put out the big bucks, likely someone in a serious touring band. P.S. Buy the fantastic book. Hamer was an important part of guitar history, kicking the big boys back into shape.
View attachment 3728939 View attachment 3728940 View attachment 3728941

Man that's so cool. Thanks for posting it up. I will definitely have to get that book!

 

[Homz]

Wow, that is sweet. Congrats.

Thanks dude. I think I may have stumbled across a real piece of history!

 

[dalkowski]

I don't think I've ever seen so many knobs on one bass....

Hold my coffee...

I think we have a tie.

 

[Lava]

Oh wow, that's so cool! I vaguely remember Tom Petersson saying in an interview that he stuck his Hamer out in to the crowd in Japan and a young girl grabbed the headstock and as he pulled away she held on and he lifted here for a bit. He thought the headstock was going to snap off but it held like a champ.

 

[Homz]

Hold my coffee...
View attachment 3728970

I think we have a tie.

Haha! Love it

 

[Homz]

Oh wow, that's so cool! I vaguely remember Tom Petersson saying in an interview that he stuck his Hamer out in to the crowd in Japan and a young girl grabbed the headstock and as he pulled away she held on and he lifted here for a bit. He thought the headstock was going to snap off but it held like a champ.

Yes that's right. It was with the 10 string though. Apparently he lifted her off the ground while she was hanging off the headstock, that's when they realised the neck should be strong enough to take the tension of 12 strings....so cool.