Korean Hamer Guitar Serial Numbers
Hi!I have tried to check out any old posts on this topic, but can anyone tell me the the difference (if any)between the Korean Standard necks and the USA Standard necks?Also, my two Korean Standards have the Serial Number (starting 08) on the back of the Headstock parallel to the tuning keys, but I'm looking at another Koeran one that has the Serial Number (starting 15) on the back, but at the bottom Headstock. Any body know what years these are from and if there was a difference in production? (where made, neck size, quality)Thanks! There seem to be a difference on the labeling of the guitars. Korean Standards made in years around 2000 up to at least 2002 are labeled 'Hamer' on the headstock.
There seem to be a difference on the labeling of the guitars. Korean Standards made in years around 2000 up to at least 2002 are labeled 'Hamer' on the headstock. The younger models are labeled 'Hamer' with 'XT-Series' underneath the Hamer logo.IIRC, the 'XT Series' are not Korean, but of Chinese/Indonesian origin.I was told directly from the guy who handled Hamer's import line that the serial numbers assigned have nothing at all to do with the year, and that was not a reliable way to date your guitar. The numbers have more to do with batch and location codes than production year.The import numbering scheme is not at all like the USA progression. I have an XT that was built in Indonesia- never saw one from Korea. It is a nice guitar for the price I paid. I would consider it a Hamer in name only.
IMHO, it ain't a true Hamer unless it is built with the 'stressed neck system' discussed here.Please don't take my comments the wrong way. There is nothing wrong with the imports. I'm just trying to save you the trouble of buying an import, upgrading it with parts that you can never recoup the cost on, deciding it still isn't like the USA models, taking a huge hit on resale on the import and purchasing a used USA model. Save some time and hold out for the USA model if at all possible.Oh yeah, WELCOME! Please don't take my comments the wrong way. There is nothing wrong with the imports. I'm just trying to save you the trouble of buying an import, upgrading it with parts that you can never recoup the cost on, deciding it still isn't like the USA models, taking a huge hit on resale on the import and purchasing a used USA model.
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Save some time and hold out for the USA model if at all possible.Oh yeah, WELCOME!Go ahead and succumb to USA GAS. Save yourself a step in the HAMER assimilation process. I have no useful knowledge or information at all about this question.However Guitarist magazine rated an import Hamer V as top of the pops in a comparison with a pile of other 'shape' guitars. Of note were playability, 'fat' sound and excellent value for money. It gave me a warm glow to read!The others in the roundup included some much more recognised brands and corresponding higher priced guitars that were less impressive.Over the last 5 years or so the UK guitar press (that I've seen) has given Hamer instruments accross the boars fab reviews irrespective of the country of manufacture, and nicely in context with their competition.So about that neck profile.!B.