Talladega Pro Guitar in the House
Finally, after three years of waiting in the wings, the Talladega Pro guitars are moving through the shop. The original Tally concept took a turn early on, and morphed into the guitar that we unveiled at the 2007 winter NAMM show. That guitar (known as the Talladega) has been in demand and has carved its own niche in the marketplace as well as the history of Hamer as a uniquely conceived and well-executed guitar.
So now, after the Talladega has established its own identity, it is time to meet the original concept, the Talladega Pro.
This version is distinctly different in ways that are both easily noticeable and subtle as well. The most obvious changes are the addition of two more controls and the use of a toggle switch on the upper side. Although the overall dimensions have remained the same, the body is thicker to concentrate more mass near the bridge area. This, coupled to a one-piece wraparound bridge gives the Pro a deep, solid fundamental. Once again we worked with Seymour to match the humbuckers to the guitar. They're lower output, with plenty of articulate highs, just like the original PAFs heard on those classic recordings by Peter Green, Clapton, Kossoff and Bloomfield. I wanted this guitar to be a humbucker-powered tone machine for players who play 25.5" scale guitars, so the scale remains the same as the original Tally, as does the comfy (and familiar) "V" shape on the neck.
Sorry for the tease, but I'm still working on the "Road to Talladega Part 2" story—that will go into plenty of detail for all you spec-freaks and inside-story buffs out there. Until then, here's another look.
Talladega PRO Specifications:
Body
Ivoroid Bound Mahogany
Top: hand Carved Figured Maple
Neck:
Ivoroid Bound 3 Piece Stressed Honduras Mahogany
Fingerboard:
Rosewood
Bridge:
TonePros Aluminum Wrap-Around
Scale Length:
25 1/2"
Fret Dimensions:
Hamer Wide Oval: .100" x .050"
Neck Shape / Thickness
'56 V Shape, 1.680" at Nut
Inlays 9 Victory (genuine pearl)
Neck Joint Oversize dovetail
Neck Pickup Custom Wound S. Duncan Humbucking (PAF based)
Bridge Pickup Custom Wound S. Duncan Humbucking (PAF based)
Electronics 2 Vol, 2 Tone, 3-Way Selector
Capacitors Sprague Orange Drop
Tuners TonePros Keystone
Headstock Overlay Ebony
Nut Type/Width Genuine Ivory, 1.650"
Wow great photos Jol, the neck joint is so smooth and seamless I can't tell where it starts and ends! This is going on my wishlist (although I think I'd have to sell my motorbike! )
Posted by: Jon | July 14, 2008 at 07:14 PM
Sweet! Jol, you guys not only read my mind, but you were able to actually create what I want/need.Thanks to everyone there! The Tone Pros Klusons are icing, and a great touch. Any price point/MSRP in mind yet? I really need to start saving now....
Rod
Posted by: Rod Levell | July 14, 2008 at 07:39 PM
Oops, sorry. I see the Pro is already on the Hamer retail price list. Yup, I am starting a Talladega Pro savings plan today!
Rod
Posted by: Rod Levell | July 15, 2008 at 04:12 AM
Hamer just keeps gettin better and better. Kudos to you Jol and the artists that work in your shop!
Posted by: Perry | July 22, 2008 at 07:52 AM
I dig it. It's a pretty close design to a Gustavsson Bluesmaster Custom 59, but less coin. Hopefully some fat necks will be available as an option.
Posted by: John | July 23, 2008 at 03:27 PM
Very sweet looking, and unique in its design theory like all Hamers. How much are they gonna be?
Posted by: GS | August 01, 2008 at 09:01 PM
To GS:
Retail price is $4,900. You can check it here:
http://www.hamerguitars.com/img/custserv/pricelist_hamer.pdf
Posted by: Rod | August 04, 2008 at 07:21 PM
Whoa! That's what I'm talkin' about! Your the best there is, a living Leo Fender.
Posted by: macky | September 24, 2008 at 07:00 PM