[Shawn]

Originally Posted by HateBreeder

Yeah, ive wanted to try one. They're californian models. I wish they had 27 frets like some of the californians though

A friend of mine has one. His is red. It's a cool axe. I noticed his is made in Korea though.

[jacksonplayer]

All of the Californians are made in Korea now, I believe. Anyway, this one and the current crop of sixes aren't "real" Californians, in that they don't have 27 frets. Oddly, the USA Hamer shop won't make you a Californian anymore, even if you throw a pile of money at them. I'd love to get one of the old USA-made Californians with the ebony board and boomerang inlays, especially one of the neckthru versions. Not too many of those out there, though.

[jski7]

Originally Posted by jacksonplayer

All of the Californians are made in Korea now, I believe. Anyway, this one and the current crop of sixes aren't "real" Californians, in that they don't have 27 frets. Oddly, the USA Hamer shop won't make you a Californian anymore, even if you throw a pile of money at them. I'd love to get one of the old USA-made Californians with the ebony board and boomerang inlays, especially one of the neckthru versions. Not too many of those out there, though.

I had a Chaparral Elite 91 and a Californian Elite (yep , neck-thru) at one time . One of the dumbest things I ever did was get rid of them . They were the real deal , back from when the company was still in Chicago . Handmade , custom specs , the whole nine . I got into them because of Steve Stevens , spent stupid money on them , then got rid of 'em . The new breed of Hamer is just sad . That's the influence of Kaman Music I guess . I'm sure the Korean mades are decent guitars , but I couldn't buy one having had the original USAs at one point . The Virtuoso 36 fret would've been next on my list ....

[Shawn]

Originally Posted by jski7

I had a Chaparral Elite 91 and a Californian Elite (yep , neck-thru) at one time .

That is pretty cool.

[jacksonplayer]

Originally Posted by Shawn

That is pretty cool.

Yeah, but rare as hell. They only made a few of them. You'd pay at least $3000 for one, if you could even pry one out of the hands of a collector.

I'd LOVE to get a Californian Elite. And imagine a REAL 7-string Californian--neckthu with ebony board, boomerangs and 27 frets. I get misty-eyed just thinking about it...

[Donnie]

Man, I had a real Californian with the ebony 27 fret board, boomerrang inlays, etc. A 7 like that would smoke!

[jski7]

That pic above is the Virtuoso model . Same basic look as the Californian , save for the longer neck (36 frets)/shorter body . My Californian looked just like it finish and wood wise , but it had the ebony board w/boomerangs , the Hamer trademark . My Chapparal was actually built for Tommy Shaw (Styx , Damn Yankees) , but he didn't like the finish or something , so I bought it . Hamer would probably consider building these guitars again - provided there was a viable market . They still have all the patterns and specs . But , there really isn't a market for $2k ++ custom sevens anymore . Shit , I'd quit Ibanez if they did . Especially now that I can really kinda afford them . My parents helped with buying the two I had before . I was like 15 or 16 , and it really helped that my dad digs beautiful instruments !! If I can find some older pics of them , I'll scan 'em and post 'em .

[Shawn]

I read that Vernon Reid used a Chaparral 'Custom'. I thought he used a Californian.

[jski7]

Originally Posted by Shawn

I read that Vernon Reid used a Chaparral 'Custom'. I thought he used a Californian.

He used both . He had a couple Chapparals , but mostly he used the Californians .

[Shawn]

Originally Posted by jski7

He used both . He had a couple Chapparals , but mostly he used the Californians .

Ah, I see. Thanks.