So I almost bought the Samick, but then the shop let me know my guitar is done and I pulled out of the deal, I will still be looking around for a strat-type, but at least I don't have to be impulsive now.
I saw a cheapie at a pawnshop which looked horrible for R450 and then at another I saw a Cruiser by Crafter for R650.
If you are going to take your time, maybe save up a bit for a few months and get something decentish.. also will also open your options up quite a bit.
I'm always weary of cheap pawnshop guitars.. seen some firewood disguised as guitars there.. the time and effort to get them semi decent playable machine is just not worth it..
My sentiments exactly, but I also do want to get something which is a bit of a beater at the same time, the R450 one had project alpha on the headstock and a pickup, they didn't want me to open her to check the pickups either, but she had speed knobs, seemed very out of place on a body which felt like polystyrene.
bluefinllama let me know my guitar is done
Did you find out why it wasn't playing nicely?
Well, it was a combination of a the frets needing a level, fretboard, saddles and the action it seems, so all round almost everything, better now though which is all that matter, but if I had more experience I'd probably have been able to sort it out myself.
We need pics of course. This is the interweb.. there are rules bud
Can't argue with such logic... It's actually quite difficult to get the colour of the guitar, but too lazy to get my camera, so took with the phone.
Thats bloody gorgeous.. nice one.
For future reference. I see it has an angled neck due to the bridge. Fyi.. if that angle is off even a bit.. it will cause choking on the strings.. kinda like what you described.
Great looker
Wait, due to the bridge?
Nice Stunner.. really cool Guitar..
bluefinllama Wait, due to the bridge?
Basically the bridge is set high, so the neck has been angled back, and shimmed to suit..
not an issue generally once set up.
bluefinllama yeh. Dont stress. thats how it is supposed to be. That bridge is high when you compare it to a hipshot or other hardtail bridge. So that bridge design together with a flat top means the neck must angle backward a bit to get good action. Ala.. gibsons and other guitars with this design. You will prob find the neck pocket is routed like that as opposed to a shim.
Was just pointing out that the angle is one more thing to check during a setup as it is a critical point for a setup. Shims help adjust angles when needed.
Thanks guys, all the help & info is much appreciated!
bluefinllama
For interest sake, here is a relatively good guide for setup, it will give you a better understanding of your guitar and setup, even if you never use it, i think its atleast good to know.
Guitar Setup 101
So, I've got my eyes set on a Hamer Slammer Series strat, what do you guys think?
https://www.olx.co.za/item/hamer-strat-electric-guitar-with-soft-case-iid-1058762866
bluefinllama The one i've played was quite nice - did have a upgraded set of tonerider city limit pups in it though.
But the neck and body were sweet. Try a lowball (like I even need to suggest it ?)
Bear in mind, you can get a new SX strat for around under R2k!
So, I bought the Hamer... There seems to either be a short, issue with the ground or the input jack needs replacing (at least from what I've been able to ascertain). I can't see any ground issues, so I will be replacing the jack first (probably should be done anyway).
I have taken it apart and took some photos, it seems like it's 100% original, the person from who I bought it said her husband bought it brand new in ~1997. She has a bit of work I believe, fretwork, electronics etc. The pots are cor-tek 500k and the 5 way switch is also cor-tek. I believe the bridge to be a wilkinson type? Sperzel style tuners should just drop in and the nut seems to be plastic.
I just couldn't help myself, she felt good when I picked her up ?
That looks awesome... nice looking chunk of wood with clean routes. Just beware if you intend refinishing.. that top layer is a veneer that is quite thin. So sanding will take you through to wood underneath. I helped an old forumite with his hamer slammer once where we discovered the veneer.
Edit... mind you.. looking at it again.. it might not be a veneer... you should be able to tell by looking at the edges. Nice looking lumber either way
Otherwise that looks cool... the jack should be an easy enough fix. Enjoy
Also.. if you smooth out the edge of the trem for the top post.. it should help with tuning stability. Not sure how whammy inclined you are.
If it were mine... i would see if i could find a big old brass block for that trem.. it would do wonders for the tone... that block is on the skinny side. A really easy fix would be blocking the trem with a chunk of wood.
Not sure how many machinists you know but i would take that block to them and get them to mill one for you
bluefinllama I just couldn't help myself, she felt good when I picked her up ?
That's the way! ?
Pups look like ceramic magnet'ed Cort ones - I've had hit n miss with them. Some sound good, some don't. If they do sound good, don't rush to Alinco magnet'ed ones - I've got a set of Ceramic's in my MIJ Strat - while not a classic strat tone, they sound okay and take drives fairly well (for a single coil).
guidothepimmp Edit... mind you.. looking at it again.. it might not be a veneer... you should be able to tell by looking at the edges. Nice looking lumber either way
Thought it looked like a refinish? If so, if there was a veneer (possibly, if it was originally a sunburst, which I doubt) - it might have already been removed (Usually them slammers are a thickish poly coat - at least the handful I've seen.)
guidothepimmp A really easy fix would be blocking the trem with a chunk of wood.
At the least, I set all strats with the trem sitting on the body - it really does fill out the tone somewhat, blocking the trem is also a grand option. Though you lose the option to to pitch up using the trem.
