Hamer Slammer Series Model Mystery

[rojo412]

I really have grown to enjoy restoring neglected basses! Been running across quite a few lately, so my studio is beginning to feel a bit like the island of misfit basses

Be careful... I was just like you once. It was a fret polishing here and there... or removing stickers.
Before I knew it, I had to build them from scratch, just to feed the monkey.
You've been warned!

 

[Lord Kinbote]

Well, now that you mention it the thought has crossed my mind

 

[ImmortalSoul]

Just discovered this thread. I have this exact bass! I purchased it from a second hand music store in 1998/99 and recorded my bands first album with it. Haven’t played it in years but this has inspired me to dust it off and have it set up. From what I remember it has a tight string spacing (16.5 mm?). Any recommendations for a good onboard preamp? Pretty sure mine has the factory pups.

 

[Lord Kinbote]

Just discovered this thread. I have this exact bass! I purchased it from a second hand music store in 1998/99 and recorded my bands first album with it. Haven’t played it in years but this has inspired me to dust it off and have it set up. From what I remember it has a tight string spacing (16.5 mm?). Any recommendations for a good onboard preamp? Pretty sure mine has the factory pups.

Hi there, was just looking back at this post for some info and noticed a new comment. It does have a tight spacing for sure and takes some getting used to.

I have been working on this thing for a while, trying different pickups and strings. Finally settled on an EMG MJ set with the passive tone control and SIT Power Steels with a .125 B string. Definitely need higher tension strings on this thing. Have an old Spector preamp laying around that I've been thinking about trying out, but haven't had time to install.

One thing that really helped was shortening the B string saddle on the grinder so that it would intonate properly.

Just finished making a quick demo video this week.

 

[nixdad]

Hello bass world!

Recently picked up a nasty, rusted, and neglected Slammer Series 5 string from Goodwill for almost nothing. Didn't have much hope for it, but mainly picked it up for the Fender Lace-Sensor pickups. After much cleaning and setup work it looks and plays great. Been thinking about getting a 5 string after not having one for 20+ years so it was a pleasant surprise.

I'm usually pretty good at tracking down info on the internet, but this one has me stumped as to a model name. Was hoping that someone out there may have run across one of these and have some info to share.

Any help would be appreciated!

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It looks like the Chaparral body style to me. The body style is best known for being the standard long-scale 12-String Bass body style.

Thanks for all the replies! It has been helpful, even if there is no definitive model name.



It does look a lot like the Chaparral. Possibly, they modified the design a bit for the import as to not complete with the USA model. Probably reduced production costs as well.

I really have grown to enjoy restoring neglected basses! Been running across quite a few lately, so my studio is beginning to feel a bit like the island of misfit basses

+1

 

[NicodeCastel]

Hello bass world!

Recently picked up a nasty, rusted, and neglected Slammer Series 5 string from Goodwill for almost nothing. Didn't have much hope for it, but mainly picked it up for the Fender Lace-Sensor pickups. After much cleaning and setup work it looks and plays great. Been thinking about getting a 5 string after not having one for 20+ years so it was a pleasant surprise.

I'm usually pretty good at tracking down info on the internet, but this one has me stumped as to a model name. Was hoping that someone out there may have run across one of these and have some info to share.

Any help would be appreciated!

View attachment 5120906 View attachment 5120907 View attachment 5120908

Hello,
It's a CENTAURA model.
The first I owned was in sparkle black (or something like dark grey / brown) finish.
My current (and 2nd) one is in the dark blue sparkle finish.
Light, confortable and very easy to play except for slapping due to the narrow string spacing.
I am preparing an upgrade because of the cheap pickups and hardware, but I love this bass.
Have a nice day.