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Joined:
February 2007
Posts: 29
Location: Wheeling, WV | Hi, its great to be a part of this fanclub. if you all are like me, then you probably like the O's for the some of the same reasons: 1)technology which is different, and actually works and sounds good enough to compete with market leaders. 2)using alternate materials to influence the sound of a stringed instrument.... Well that's what i like about the old Kramer instruments, with the aluminum/wood necks, they sound totally awesome, the good ones have sustain and tone out the azz.... I love them for some of the same O reasons. I have an awesome Kramer bass, and have played some nice alum neck K guitars. Anyway, just wondering if you all have any experience or thoughts about the aluminum neck Kramers??????????? |
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Joined:
August 2006
Posts: 2804
Location: ranson,wva | never played a kramer but i do own several ovations with aluminum fretboards and urelite foam necks...they played great till you wear the frets out..lol jason |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10582
Location: NJ | poor man's travis bean |
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Joined:
May 2005
Posts: 486
Location: North Carolina | I have a Kramer DMZ 2000 that I bought new in 1980. I have replaced the pickups for a pair of Duncans, as the DiMarzios were mid heavy. I also replaced the Leo Quan bridge when one of the components had failed from metal fatigue, but I forget what brand I put on there. The frets have held up well and the nut is the roller type behind a zero fret. The only criticism I would have is I find the width at nut a a tad narrow.
It's interesting how the value of these instruments has changed over the years. At one point I was thinking of selling it and you couldn't give them away. Now guitars like mine consistently bring over $400 on the bay.
I have seen the newer aluminum neck guitars only on the internet, Vaccaros I think. Their styling doen't interest me at all. What lured me to the Kramer was the funtionality and durability of the neck; the sustain was an unintended benefit. Today I would be more drawn to carbon fiber if I wanted something other than wood. |
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Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | The Travis Beans are what you want, the Kramers were a copy of Travis's ideas and fell short on the delivery part of it. Back in the day Beans were also dirt cheap but now bring $1000+/-. |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10582
Location: NJ | vaccaros is the same guy that started kramer. Last I heard he bought a storage locker with all of michael jackson's stuff in it and "sold" it to a collector in europe that was piecing it out.
rumour is there is a warehouse in central jersey with a pile of the vaccarro guitars in there
btw I have a t 1000 travis bean, gigged with it from 85-95 and have the round shoulders and bad back to prove it. GREAT guitar NOTHING sounds like it plays great etc. LOVE the koa. |
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Joined:
May 2005
Posts: 486
Location: North Carolina | Originally posted by alpep:
btw I have a t 1000 travis bean, gigged with it from 85-95 and have the round shoulders and bad back to prove it. Yeah, I picked up a Bean once and put it down immediately without playing it. I knew that no matter what it sounded like, I was never going to hold it for four hours. The Kramer is heavy enough. Now, if I need an electric, I use my Godin.
I suppose the original poster's idea was on target - guys who play Ovies are drawn to the unconventional if it works for them, and don't give a damn what anyone thinks or says. |
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Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | I guess that's why I had 60 Travis Beans at one time. |
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Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | So Bill, how's the back :D
btw, still lovin the one I got from you! |
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Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | You got one of the last. I always played them sitting down! |
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Aluminum neck Kramers.......???????