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Average Price: $617
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
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Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Kramer Baretta". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 23, 2026.
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Description
Rediscover the electrifying energy of the 80s rock scene with the Kramer Baretta. This high-performance electric guitar is not just an instrument, but a tribute to a legendary era of music. Faithfully following the specifications of the original 1985 model, the Baretta Vintage is a bold blend of the past and present.
The guitar's distinctive offset double-cutaway body and "hockey" headstock set it apart visually, while its sonic capabilities set it apart in every other way. This guitar isn't just about looks; it's a true performer that can hold its own on any stage.
Equipped with a Seymour Duncan JB humbucker pickup, the Baretta Vintage delivers a powerful, rich tone that's capable of cutting through even the most dense mix. The Floyd Rose tremolo system adds another dimension of expressiveness, allowing for dive-bombs and other pitch-shifting effects with great tuning stability.
Whether you're a seasoned rocker or a beginner looking to channel your inner headbanger, the Kramer Baretta Vintage is a reliable, versatile, and powerful instrument that can take your playing to new heights.
Key Features:
- Based on the specifications of the original 1985 Kramer Baretta
- Distinctive offset double-cutaway body and "hockey" headstock
- Equipped with a Seymour Duncan JB humbucker pickup for powerful, rich tone
- Features a Floyd Rose tremolo system for expressiveness and tuning stability
- Ideal for rock and metal genres, but versatile enough for any style of music
Product specs
| Brand | Kramer |
| Model | Kramer Baretta |
| Finish | Bumblebee Yellow, Candy Blue, Ebony, Jumper Red, Pewter, Ruby Red, Vintage White |
| Year | 2010 - 2025 |
| Made In | China |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Maple |
| Body Shape | S-Style |
| Body Type | Hollow Body, Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Locking Tremolo Bridge |
| Color Family | Black, Blue, Grey, Red, White, Yellow |
| Finish Features | Matching Headstock |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Maple |
| Fretboard Radius | 14" |
| Frets | Medium Jumbo |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Nut Width | 1.625" |
| Offset Body | Non-Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | H |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque |
FAQs
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What type of pickup does the Kramer Baretta feature?
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The Kramer Baretta is equipped with a single Seymour Duncan® JB™ zebra-coil humbucker, known for its high output and versatile tone, making it ideal for rock and metal genres.
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Does the Kramer Baretta have a locking tremolo system?
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Yes, the Kramer Baretta features a Floyd Rose® 1000 series locking tremolo bridge, allowing for stable tuning even with extensive use of the tremolo arm.
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What is the neck profile of the Kramer Baretta?
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The Kramer Baretta has a satin-finished hard maple neck with a 14" fretboard radius, providing a smooth and fast playing experience suitable for shredding and lead guitar work.
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Is the Kramer Baretta suitable for beginner guitarists?
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While the Kramer Baretta is designed with performance features that appeal to advanced players, its straightforward design and comfortable neck make it accessible for determined beginners as well.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Kramer Baretta?
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The Kramer Baretta features a solid maple body and a maple neck, contributing to its bright tone and sustain, which are characteristic of classic rock guitars.
Videos
PMTVUK
Kramer Baretta - The 80's Icon Is Back - Dagan's Favorite Guitar!
Kramer Baretta - The 80's Icon Is Back - Dagan's Favorite Guitar!
PMTVUK
Kramer Baretta Colours! - Get This 80's ICON In Awesome New In Your Face Finishes!
PMTVUK
No Talking...Just Tones | Kramer Baretta Bumblebee Yellow
Peach Guitars
Kramer Baretta Pewter Gray | Russo Music Snacks
Russo Music
Reviews
PROS
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Legit shredding capability with a smooth, well-crafted neck and fretwork
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Original Floyd Rose bridge not a licensed version, ensuring tuning stability
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Seymour Duncan JB pickup provides powerful and versatile sound
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Solid maple body offers great sustain and sturdiness
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14" neck radius and thin neck profile aid in fast playability
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Push/pull volume knob for coil tapping adds tonal variety
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Excellent fit and finish with no sharp fret edges
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Vintage 80s aesthetic, available in striking colors like Ruby Red and Vintage White
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Highly regarded value for the price, especially compared to other brands
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Maintains tuning exceptionally well, even with heavy vibrato use
CONS
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Some units reported with frets needing initial polishing
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Heavier than many guitars, which could be uncomfortable for some
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Non-floating Floyd Rose limits tremolo range to dive-only
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Some tuning machine complaints about excessive play
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Truss rod cover is difficult to remove without loosening strings
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Potential nut slipping issues causing scratch noise with heavy tremolo use
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Kramer Baretta.
Setup and maintenance
Mods and upgrades
User experience
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Baretta Special pickups can emit a whistling sound, indicating potential need for replacement.
Source -
Many appreciate the lightweight nature of the Kramer Baretta, making it comfortable for extended play sessions.
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Owners enjoy the simple control layout of one pickup and one knob, appealing to those who prefer minimalistic designs.
Source
Features and functionality
Use cases and applications
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Owners find the Baretta Special an excellent modding platform due to its affordability and playability.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 3 Ratings
579
This was the guitar that was supposed to be the Eddie Van Halen signature guitar
This was a super strat guitar that was supposed to be the signature model for Eddie Van Halen. Kramer originally started with aluminum neck guitars like Travis Bean and started to make wood guitars that featured the Rockinger Tremolo and Schaller Pickups originally. Later, they started to feature the Original Floyd Rose Tremolo and had Eddie Van Halen as an endorsee. The original guitars had Fender Strat shaped headstocks which were later copyright infringing to Fender. Eddie Van Halen hated the Rockinger tremolo and they started to feature Floyd Rose Tremolo bridges and later Seymour Duncan Pickups. The original humbucking pickups were spaced like Gibson guitars which have a narrower string width spacing than Fender guitars. Eddie slanted the pickup to make the polepieces match up to the strings. The original Pacer Specials had the humbucker parallel to the Floyd Rose bridge. The original necks were wide and had 1 3/4 or R5 spacing. Later models had R2, R3, or R4 which were 1 5/8 or 1 11/16 widths. The original guitars were maple bodies.
5339
Artist usage
Add artist
In this photo from Vhnd, Eddie Van Halen's guitar collection is displayed, featuring a Kramer Baretta hanging in his studio.
In an Instagram post, Matt Heafy showcases a Kramer Baretta guitar featuring a limited "Strike First" graphic, highlighting his connection with the brand.
He is seen playing a Baretta in the Just Got Lucky music video at 4:07
In video Alone she is using some Kramer Baretta guitar but in black.
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Gina Gleason owns a Kramer Baretta, as seen in an Instagram post by her (@ginagleasongtr) showcasing her Kramer and Hamer guitars side by side. This guitar was a staple during her Misstallica days, although it is no longer used in her live performances with Baroness due to its sound not aligning with the band's current needs.
Stephen states that the first guitar he got when he joined The Descendents was a Kramer Baretta. He states that he went into a guitar store, and tried several guitars, and liked the kramer because it was the easiest to play
In the 'A Conversation' EPK (1986) video on YouTube, at the 2:35 mark, Chris DeGarmo can be seen playing a Kramer Baretta, distinguished by its white finish and maple fretboard. The guitar features the characteristic black 'hockey stick' (banana) headstock with a white block logo and a truss rod cover labeled 'Baretta,' identifying it as a late 1985 or early 1986 model before Kramer's transition to the pointy headstock design.
He is seen playing a Baretta live with Ratt at some point around 1984-85.
http://www.dinosaurrockguitar.com/node/37
He used a Kramer Baretta through a Mesa Rectifier on most of his first solo album (and it sounds great), but he pulled out the old Gibson/Marshall combination for a few tracks on the solo album, and for my money, this is still Dave's best sound
In a Facebook post, David T. Chastain features the Kramer Baretta-II Pro, highlighting its use.
Sead Zele Lipovača played a Kramer Pacer with an angled banana headstock during his time in London when his band Divlje Jagode, also known as Wild Strawberries, aimed to expand their reach in the UK and globally. Notably, he used this guitar at the iconic Marquee gig around 1986, as documented on the Divlje Jagode official website.
Album Usage
The Kramer Baretta has been featured on the following albums:
![Kramer Baretta as heard on Rage For Order (Remastered) [Expanded Edition] by Queensrÿche (1986)](https://images.equipboard.com/uploads/album/image/46270/rage-for-order-remastered-expanded-edition.jpg)
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Kramer Baretta, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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