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Pricing and availability

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Description

Crafted for the modern shredder, the Hamer Californian is a staple in the world of high-performance electric guitars. Known for its sleek design and aggressive sound capabilities, this solid body electric guitar is perfect for those who demand both speed and precision. It features a fast maple neck with a comfortable slim profile, allowing for rapid playability and effortless movement up and down the fretboard. The Hamer Californian is equipped with two high-output humbucking pickups, delivering a powerful and versatile tone that can handle everything from searing solos to crunchy rhythm riffs.

The standout feature of the Hamer Californian is its 24-fret neck, providing a full two-octave range for each string. This expanded range opens up endless possibilities for creative expression and intricate soloing. The guitar also includes a locking tremolo system, ensuring stable tuning even during heavy whammy bar use. Its body is crafted with precision, ensuring durability and a resonant sound that projects well in any setting, whether in the studio or on stage.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar design
  • Fast maple neck with a slim profile
  • 24-fret neck for expanded range
  • Dual high-output humbucking pickups
  • Locking tremolo system for stable tuning
  • Versatile tone suitable for various music styles
  • Crafted for precision and durability
Guitar-Science - Уроки электрогитары

Guitar-Science - Уроки электрогитары

May Lian - Swing (guitar cover by Kirill Safonov). Hamer Californian Elite Holoskull

Video thumbnail for May Lian - Swing (guitar cover by Kirill Safonov). Hamer Californian Elite Holoskull by Guitar-Science - Уроки электрогитары

May Lian - Swing (guitar cover by Kirill Safonov). Hamer Californian Elite Holoskull

Guitar-Science - Уроки электрогитары

Guitar-Science - Уроки электрогитары

Video thumbnail for Hamer Californian Elite/Deluxe/Elite, Tonewood Comparison by Daniel Belensky

Hamer Californian Elite/Deluxe/Elite, Tonewood Comparison

Daniel Belensky

Daniel Belensky

Video thumbnail for GUITARPORN - Hamer Californian Elite by Leon Todd

GUITARPORN - Hamer Californian Elite

Leon Todd

Leon Todd

Video thumbnail for Наконец-то! Hamer "Окулист" Californian Elite Custom. Секреты волшебства! by GuitaristForever

Наконец-то! Hamer "Окулист" Californian Elite Custom. Секреты волшебства!

GuitaristForever

GuitaristForever

Video thumbnail for 1989 Hamer Californian Elite by The Gunter Collection

1989 Hamer Californian Elite

The Gunter Collection

The Gunter Collection

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hamer Californian.

Build quality

  • Hamer guitars often feature one-piece maple or mahogany bodies, known for their solidity and resonance, contributing to their high-quality build and sound.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Hamer guitars are likened to 50s Gibson models in build quality, with Hamer's thicker body offering a different tonal depth.

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  • Some Korean-made instruments, including the Hamer Californian, are praised for high quality comparable to vintage models, challenging biases against non-U.S. manufacturing origins.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Hamer guitars, especially models like the Californian, are rare and considered a bargain compared to contemporary Jackson custom shop guitars.

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User experience

  • Owners note that the value of Hamer guitars increases over time due to their rarity and craftsmanship.

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  • Transitioning from non-Floyd trem guitars may require adjustment, as noted by a user returning to a Floyd tremolo system after many years.

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Features and functionality

  • The reverse headstock design on models like the Californian is a distinguishing feature that appeals to 80s metal enthusiasts.

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  • A heavy, solid maple neck is a notable feature of the 2000-2002 Korean-made Hamer Californian, contributing to its substantial feel and playability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The Californian model's floating bridge may pose tuning stability challenges, especially if not a genuine Floyd Rose, impacting divebomb reliability.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have replaced stock pickups with "Duncan designed" models, which are considered satisfactory for maintaining good tone.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Billy Joel uses Hamer Californian

Billy Joel

Singer, Keyboardist

U.S.A. for Africa

...
Verified via YouTube

He is playing a USA Hamer Californian Standard in concert in 1990

See how Gregor Mackintosh uses Hamer Californian

Gregor Mackintosh

Guitarist

Paradise Lost

...
Verified via YouTube

Greg Mackintosh is playing a black Hamer Californian in the Last Time video.

See how Tommy Shaw uses Hamer Californian

Tommy Shaw

Guitarist

Styx

...
Verified via Hamer Fan Club Message Center

The link is a forum describing it, but it can be seen in use during this Damn Yankees video during many songs, including "Come Again". There's another guitar that he uses for other songs, "Renegade" being one of them, that's the same, but just black with a maple fretboard. The design he uses is similar to the picture given, but I couldn't find the exact one he used. The time stamps for the songs are in the comments. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0GSWCf6QYg

Album Usage

The Hamer Californian has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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