Guitar Gear Forum

While you should have asked more questions it's not your fault or a reason you should be stuck with a defect or repair because you didn't ask about it . If you are hiding something and hope the buyer doesn't ask about it so you can offload your crap then you are a dirty douchebag of a seller .

Just received an email from the seller. According to him, it's discoloration of the neck joint and is common in Hamer guitars. Supposedly, this is called "Hameritis" which he claims he mentioned in his ad. The ad has been modified, so I cannot say if it was or wasn't in the ad. But if it was, "Hameritis" means nothing to me and certainly does not clearly indicate the issue and the 20 pics he posted did not show the issue.

Knowing that it's not structural damage is sinking in and making me feel better about it. I'm still not totally happy about the omission in the ad, but I think I'll hang on to it for a while. If it still bothers me in a couple weeks/months, I'll toss it on eBay.

Matt wrote:Just received an email from the seller. According to him, it's discoloration of the neck joint and is common in Hamer guitars. Supposedly, this is called "Hameritis" which he claims he mentioned in his ad. The ad has been modified, so I cannot say if it was or wasn't in the ad. But if it was, "Hameritis" means nothing to me and certainly does not clearly indicate the issue and the 20 pics he posted did not show the issue.

This is the truth - google Hameritis - it's a common problem with the finish/glue they used to use. I would keep the guitar personally.

I own 2 USA Hamers but they are bolt-ons. Some of my favorite guitars ever.

By the way, that looks like GreatDane from HCEG's pic - he always seemed like a standup guy and had an awesome collection of guitars. Pretty sure that was one of his Hamers.

Devin wrote:

Matt wrote:Just received an email from the seller. According to him, it's discoloration of the neck joint and is common in Hamer guitars. Supposedly, this is called "Hameritis" which he claims he mentioned in his ad. The ad has been modified, so I cannot say if it was or wasn't in the ad. But if it was, "Hameritis" means nothing to me and certainly does not clearly indicate the issue and the 20 pics he posted did not show the issue.

This is the truth - google Hameritis - it's a common problem with the finish/glue they used to use. I would keep the guitar personally.

I own 2 USA Hamers but they are bolt-ons. Some of my favorite guitars ever.

By the way, that looks like GreatDane from HCEG's pic - he always seemed like a standup guy and had an awesome collection of guitars. Pretty sure that was one of his Hamers.

I'd keep it. I think that thing is beautiful!

I'd keep it too, if that had no effect on playability/stability/tuning, etc.

that sucks. Hope you get it worked out.

If this is a problem for you, don't get a Hamer. Devin nailed it, this is a well-documented issue that only effects the aesthetics of these guitars.

Devin wrote:This is the truth - google Hameritis - it's a common problem with the finish/glue they used to use. I would keep the guitar personally.

I own 2 USA Hamers but they are bolt-ons. Some of my favorite guitars ever.

By the way, that looks like GreatDane from HCEG's pic - he always seemed like a standup guy and had an awesome collection of guitars. Pretty sure that was one of his Hamers.

I was going to post this. This is a very common thing with set-neck Hamers.

Hameritis? Interesting.

It looks gorgeous nonetheless.

Well if it's a common thing with Hamers it may be not as bad as you thought? I had bought a US production charvel back in November and the seller hadn't disclosed there was a crack around one of the trem posts and the posts themselves were at an angle as well as the floyd looked to have been installed crooked from the get go. Luckily he gave me a full refund including shipping but I'm still kinda bummed as it was otherwise a nice guitar and I haven't been able to find a similar one for same kinda $ since. That is a *nice* looking Hamer though!

Just echoing the fact that your Hamer is gorgeous.
It looks a real player.
I bet there is a clever wood finishing guy/gal out there who could match up that joint, to look like new.

Matt wrote:Just received an email from the seller. According to him, it's discoloration of the neck joint and is common in Hamer guitars. Supposedly, this is called "Hameritis" which he claims he mentioned in his ad. The ad has been modified, so I cannot say if it was or wasn't in the ad. But if it was, "Hameritis" means nothing to me and certainly does not clearly indicate the issue and the 20 pics he posted did not show the issue.

The mods should be able to see any revisions to the sellers ad. Maybe pm one and explain the situation.

If the guitar plays well and sounds good, I would carefully weigh keeping it versus returning it considering that this appears to be a common issue that does not affect playability. I recently purchased a guitar from eBay that had much more aesthetic wear on it than was shown in the pictures (pictures showed a 9/10 guitar and in person it might be a 7.5/10); however, it sounded so good and played so well that I couldn't bring myself to return it. If the guitar is in otherwise good condition, I would probably keep it rather than pay return shipping and deal with the associated hassle. Also, would you consider a partial refund? That might be a good alternative to returning it.

Devin wrote:

Matt wrote:Just received an email from the seller. According to him, it's discoloration of the neck joint and is common in Hamer guitars. Supposedly, this is called "Hameritis" which he claims he mentioned in his ad. The ad has been modified, so I cannot say if it was or wasn't in the ad. But if it was, "Hameritis" means nothing to me and certainly does not clearly indicate the issue and the 20 pics he posted did not show the issue.

This is the truth - google Hameritis - it's a common problem with the finish/glue they used to use. I would keep the guitar personally.

I own 2 USA Hamers but they are bolt-ons. Some of my favorite guitars ever.

By the way, that looks like GreatDane from HCEG's pic - he always seemed like a standup guy and had an awesome collection of guitars. Pretty sure that was one of his Hamers.

I was gonna mention that in my original reply, but I had never seen an example of it quite that bad or in quite that location. Both my USA Hamers do have some small areas in the finish that look like that, though, fwiw, and I LOVE those guitars in a quasi-immoral way. The koa-topped Mirage is my end-all-be-all guitar, and between it and my Studio, my guitar GAS has been effectively over for a decade.

This place has been busy, lol. This site is currently blocked at work, so I couldn't comment.

Basically, I freaked out thinking that the neck had been damaged or reset or something, so learning of this "Hameritis" actually put my mind at ease. I'm still not terribly pleased that it wasn't more prominent in the ad, but it's not that big of a deal after I've had a day to read and do some research. So, I'll keep it for the time being.

draelyc, what bridge pickup do you recommend? This one has a '59 in it and I'm not digging it. Also, is your tremolo stock?

Matt wrote:This place has been busy, lol. This site is currently blocked at work, so I couldn't comment.

Basically, I freaked out thinking that the neck had been damaged or reset or something, so learning of this "Hameritis" actually put my mind at ease. I'm still not terribly pleased that it wasn't more prominent in the ad, but it's not that big of a deal after I've had a day to read and do some research. So, I'll keep it for the time being.

draelyc, what bridge pickup do you recommend? This one has a '59 in it and I'm not digging it. Also, is your tremolo stock?

The earlier 3 pickup model that I have came stock with a single-coil sized Hot Rails humbucker in the bridge, which was okay but I never quite gelled with. Could be harsh and (to my neurotic ears) it always sounded like a "small" 'bucker. I went through several full sized 'buckers after I had the guitar routed because I found that the koa top could be really bright ... so I finally tried a Duncan Custom Custom, which is designed to be a darker pickup, and I *love* it. Still plenty of output, but a lot warmer and a nice complement for the Cool Rails single coils. It is pretty dark, though; I have a '59 in my Studio (which I also like), but I don't know how well that pairing would do together ~ don't get me wrong, it might be great. Just be aware of the bright/dark thing, y'know?

The stock bridge on mine was the same as yours, the nickel plated Wilkinson vintage style. I got mine used, as well, and I've had it for over ten years, so the original bridge was pretty corroded. So a few months ago I just replaced it with a new black-chrome version of the exact same bridge. (Of course, I had to replace the rest of the hardware to match, but I like the black cosmetics better.) Love that bridge in combination with the Sperzels.

Sorry to go on and on, but I LOVE my Mirage, lol!

glad its nothing. guitar is gorgeous. rock it hard.

draelyc wrote:

Matt wrote:This place has been busy, lol. This site is currently blocked at work, so I couldn't comment.

Basically, I freaked out thinking that the neck had been damaged or reset or something, so learning of this "Hameritis" actually put my mind at ease. I'm still not terribly pleased that it wasn't more prominent in the ad, but it's not that big of a deal after I've had a day to read and do some research. So, I'll keep it for the time being.

draelyc, what bridge pickup do you recommend? This one has a '59 in it and I'm not digging it. Also, is your tremolo stock?

The earlier 3 pickup model that I have came stock with a single-coil sized Hot Rails humbucker in the bridge, which was okay but I never quite gelled with. Could be harsh and (to my neurotic ears) it always sounded like a "small" 'bucker. I went through several full sized 'buckers after I had the guitar routed because I found that the koa top could be really bright ... so I finally tried a Duncan Custom Custom, which is designed to be a darker pickup, and I *love* it. Still plenty of output, but a lot warmer and a nice complement for the Cool Rails single coils. It is pretty dark, though; I have a '59 in my Studio (which I also like), but I don't know how well that pairing would do together ~ don't get me wrong, it might be great. Just be aware of the bright/dark thing, y'know?

The stock bridge on mine was the same as yours, the nickel plated Wilkinson vintage style. I got mine used, as well, and I've had it for over ten years, so the original bridge was pretty corroded. So a few months ago I just replaced it with a new black-chrome version of the exact same bridge. (Of course, I had to replace the rest of the hardware to match, but I like the black cosmetics better.) Love that bridge in combination with the Sperzels.

Sorry to go on and on, but I LOVE my Mirage, lol!

Nice! Good to hear the guitar likes the Custom Custom. I have one in an LP and really like it so I was considering one for the Mirage as well. I don't use a trem... at all really. But you know how the guys on the Hamer forum are, all of them were saying to replace the trem. I might eventually. I still need to see how well I gel with this guitar.

I definitely will be throwing a Custom Custom in the bridge soon.

That sucks, I saw this ad and was interested but I did notice that something looked funky with the neck. I assumed it was extra glue from a neck reset so I never bothered with it. I agree that it is common decency to mention a major repair like that. I know that on certain era hamers it is a fairly common issue though. Maybe you can get a partial refund and end up keeping guitar at an even better price, as long as its a proper repair and plays/sounds nice. How does it play and sound? Hope it works out for u.

I did a google images search for "Hameritis guitar" and look what showed up:

I saw that too - guess it is pretty common - and not a repair.

Just a little Hameritis

...enjoy your new Mirage, I bet it plays sweet.

Thanks for renewing my gas for a Mirage. Some day I hope to see a flame top mirage for sale again.

Matt wrote:

draelyc wrote:

Matt wrote:This place has been busy, lol. This site is currently blocked at work, so I couldn't comment.

Basically, I freaked out thinking that the neck had been damaged or reset or something, so learning of this "Hameritis" actually put my mind at ease. I'm still not terribly pleased that it wasn't more prominent in the ad, but it's not that big of a deal after I've had a day to read and do some research. So, I'll keep it for the time being.

draelyc, what bridge pickup do you recommend? This one has a '59 in it and I'm not digging it. Also, is your tremolo stock?

The earlier 3 pickup model that I have came stock with a single-coil sized Hot Rails humbucker in the bridge, which was okay but I never quite gelled with. Could be harsh and (to my neurotic ears) it always sounded like a "small" 'bucker. I went through several full sized 'buckers after I had the guitar routed because I found that the koa top could be really bright ... so I finally tried a Duncan Custom Custom, which is designed to be a darker pickup, and I *love* it. Still plenty of output, but a lot warmer and a nice complement for the Cool Rails single coils. It is pretty dark, though; I have a '59 in my Studio (which I also like), but I don't know how well that pairing would do together ~ don't get me wrong, it might be great. Just be aware of the bright/dark thing, y'know?

The stock bridge on mine was the same as yours, the nickel plated Wilkinson vintage style. I got mine used, as well, and I've had it for over ten years, so the original bridge was pretty corroded. So a few months ago I just replaced it with a new black-chrome version of the exact same bridge. (Of course, I had to replace the rest of the hardware to match, but I like the black cosmetics better.) Love that bridge in combination with the Sperzels.

Sorry to go on and on, but I LOVE my Mirage, lol!

Nice! Good to hear the guitar likes the Custom Custom. I have one in an LP and really like it so I was considering one for the Mirage as well. I don't use a trem... at all really. But you know how the guys on the Hamer forum are, all of them were saying to replace the trem. I might eventually. I still need to see how well I gel with this guitar.

I definitely will be throwing a Custom Custom in the bridge soon.

Right on ~ glad you already have experience with that pickup. I think it's perfect for the koa/mahogany combo.

As for the trem, I've at times locked it down and it does great that way ... but I can't understand the dislike for the Wilkinson for folks who do use the tremolo. It's super smooth and stays in tune better than the double locking Edge on my Ibanez. The only downside imo is the nickel finish, which looks great at first but corrodes too easily.

When you swap out the pickup, I'd love to hear how it does with the neck humbucker that's in there ~ is it a '59, also?