Product ReviewsThe Ultimate : An Illustrated History of Hamer Guitars by Joe Moffett and Steve Matthes (2013, Hardcover)

Hamer, who are they? Buy this book and discover.

This is a lovely, 'coffee table' book, well written and with many illustrations, particularly of Hamer guitars, of which I never dreamed so many models had been made. I bought the book because I own a Hamer Newport Pro guitar (left-handed)but the book would would be of consuming interest to any guitar geek.

It was fascinating to read of the company's humble beginnings, started as a consequence of Paul Hamer's abiding obsession with vintage guitars and the trading thereof. I was amazed at the initial lack of luthery and business skills but read with pleasure of the hard work, gradual developments, and expansion into the successful business it became. Hamer guitars were of top quality, and my specimen is no exception. Paul Hamer left (or was perhaps pushed from) the company in 1987 and an alliance was made the following year with Kaman Music (which owned Ovation Guitars). This mutually advantageous deal led to quite a plethora of new models over the following years but a sea change came in late 2007, when Fender MIC took over Kamen. The following year global economic recession ensued as a consequence of the USA sub-prime housing market fiasco. Under Fender, production of (the relatively expensive) Hamer guitars almost ceased in 2009, in favour of the employees making Fender and Guild (owned by Fender) acoustic guitars in the Hamer factory. But production of Hamer guitars built up again over the following three years, until the ultimate catastrophe: in late December 2012 Fender ceased production of Hamer guitars and shelved the brand. So, after thirty-eight years, Hamer was effectively a brand no more.

The story of Hamer Guitars is very interesting and I wholeheartedly recommend this book. A limited number of brand-new, old-stock Hamer guitars are still available in the USA, even a few left-handed models. Why not buy yourself a fine guitar and a piece of history to boot,as I did. The current new and second-hand prices of Hamer guitars is almost criminally low, so there are bargains to be had.Read full review...

"The Ultimate" is a great book on Hamer guitars!!!

I've been looking for a good deal on this book for some time now; and, when I saw it on eBay for under $40, I jumped at the chance to get it!!! It's a great book with recommendations from famous guitar makers/luthiers and of course legendary rocker Rick Nielsen who has done a lot to promote Hamer Guitars throughout his entire career. . . There are lots of photos of various guitars in the Hamer catalog including their "standard" which is essentially of course the Gibson Explorer. There are many others as well including the "Californian" and "Centaura." It's a great book to own for you coffee table or as a reference guide!!!Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: innersleeve-1

Hamer Heaven in print

Great resource tool on some of the best built and sounding guitars on the planet

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: innersleeve-1