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Hamer 12 string question....

#3
Hamer builds a lot of 12vers custom order, so if you hook up with a dealer, they should be able to set you up. All of what you are looking for has been done by Hamer in the past, so there shouldn't be any problem. As with any custom order though, be prepared for a long lead time.
 
#5
So, do they upcharge a ton for the little things? Really, the lack of active EQ is the only thing I assume I really need. Is the balance good enough that I wouldn't need the shortened scale?

I'm no stranger to the customs, but sometimes it seems like some companies are penalizing you for wanting something different and take more than a year.
 
#7
You will pay for any deviation from the stock configuration. The bodies are cut on a CNC, any alteration requires a modification of the program and often a dry run on a piece of scrap to confirm the modifications were programed correctly.

I have custom ordered several Hamers and everyone of them came exactly as ordered. The only issue with Hamer custom orders is if Frank Rindone feels like allowing the alterations. It is not uncommon to have a request denied numerous times before he relents, case in point, I had them build me a scalloped fingerboard guitar a few years ago after being shot down many times prior.

I've used Alpep at Lost Vintage in NJ and Brandon at Willcutt in Ky both with great success on Hamer custom orders.


spade2you said:
So, do they upcharge a ton for the little things? Really, the lack of active EQ is the only thing I assume I really need. Is the balance good enough that I wouldn't need the shortened scale?

I'm no stranger to the customs, but sometimes it seems like some companies are penalizing you for wanting something different and take more than a year.
Click to expand...
 
#8
just to clarify though....Frank Rindone won't turn down any request.....as long as the factory can/will build it.

Frank wants them to build whatever the customer wants but, he has to "get it by" production.
 
#10
hasbeen said:
just to clarify though....Frank Rindone won't turn down any request.....as long as the factory can/will build it.

Frank wants them to build whatever the customer wants but, he has to "get it by" production.
Click to expand...

I know several people in production as well as Jol, Frank U and Kim and everytime I or anyone I know received a no it was represented as coming from Rindone. Is he the corporate rubber nose?
 
#11
jvbjr said:
I know several people in production as well as Jol, Frank U and Kim and everytime I or anyone I know received a no it was represented as coming from Rindone. Is he the corporate rubber nose?
Click to expand...

I don't really know what a rubber nose is.:hmm:

Rindone is the product manager. Kim is customer service. Frank Untermeyer is the general manager and doesn't really get involved down to that level.....single piece. Jol is the one that decides if it will be built or not.

As the product manager, Frank Rindone is the one that communicates with the store most of the time. So perhaps, since he's the one that communictes the message, he's seen as the guy that needs to be convinced.
 
#12
I don't think any kind of greed or malice is needed to explain why custom shop work is more expensive than assembly line work.

They make a wonderful product. This is my Hamer custom shop B12S. The short scale, close string spacing, and high fi EMGs make for easy and very musical sounding chording. Then twist a knob and just boom your groove. Very flexible, but very good at each specific task.

and beautiful to my eyes.

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#15
I talked to the dude in charge of 12stringbass.net and it's starting to look like either a B12A medium or short scale would be best for me. I love the look of the B12M and B12S, but I'm a wimp when it comes to neck balance. Among my Peaveys, Rob Allens, Fender, and Kramer, I don't have any basses that aren't perfectly balanced.
 
#16
spade2you said:
So when you ordered close string spacing, did that refer to each set of strings being closer or overall spacing being tighter?
Click to expand...

I didn't order the spacing special. I think that's just the way they are. My Hamer B12S is 1 7/8" at the nut, my Dean Rhapsody 12 is 2 1/8" at the nut. The spacing on the Hamer is closer within and between groupings.

Don't go by me on weight or balance. I never notice.
 
#17
Lazyboy said:
I didn't order the spacing special. I think that's just the way they are. My Hamer B12S is 1 7/8" at the nut, my Dean Rhapsody 12 is 2 1/8" at the nut. The spacing on the Hamer is closer within and between groupings.

Don't go by me on weight or balance. I never notice.
Click to expand...

Gotcha. That makes sense. I'm a noob in this department.

I'll probably go somewhat conservatively with the balance. My left-hand technique relies very heavily on a balanced bass. I basically play a modified classical guitar technique, which utilizes my left hand for playing only and little/no support of the bass. I realize having 12 tuners can complicate things considerably!
 

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