Nov 17, 2008 #1. Ripping, vintage, rare-as-hell aluminum neck bass by Kramer. Instead, Kramer opted for a "beak" reminiscent of 1960s Kent guitar headstocks. Check out pics. Rare white beauty with incredible subterranean tone. the “EVH Trem“) was out, and the Floyd Rose® system was in. The first sign of trouble came in 1987, when a massive labor strike hit Korea. Kramer stopped making the aluminum neck versions of these bases in 1980, so it's at the latest a 1980 but may be from the 70's era. Kramer Guitars and Basses With endorsements by Eddie Van Halen and Richie Sambora, Kramer Guitars were one of the most popular brands of the hard rock scene of the 1980s. Which I have just ordered from Schaller. The 450B’s block-shaped markers started at the first fret.

ATTIC FIND: 1970's KRAMER BASS DMZ 4001 GUITAR, ALUMINUM NECK? Over the course of Kramer’s early history, aluminum necks were produced for almost a full decade from 1976 to 1985. Kramer, Travis Bean, and Electrical Guitar Company are the standard-bearers of the aluminum necked and metal-guitar-parts game. Made in USA Kramer XKB-20 aluminum neck bass. Gibson purchases Kramer out of bankruptcy. Wooden-necked instruments represented Kramer's first foray into offshoring the production of guitar components to Eastern Asia. The inserts, set in epoxy, were usually walnut or maple. Soon thereafter, Gary Kramer moved to Los Angeles, and his connection with the company would become in name only, long before the wooden neck era that began in the 1980s. Kramer produced aluminum -necked electric guitars and basses in the 1970s and wooden-necked guitars catering to hard rock and heavy metal musicians in the 1980s; Kramer is currently a division of Gibson Guitar Corporation. The bodies were made of fancy woods such as curly or Birdseye maple, walnut, and koa. This bass has a complete aluminum 'T' shaped neck, ebanol fretboard, and a selection of tropical woods for the body, predominantly Bubinga. When it entered the music-instrument market in 1976, Kramer Guitars made a big splash with an aggressive marketing campaign, big-name endorsers, and – most importantly – an improved approach to the then-fresh concept of aluminum necks. Those models were preceded by the 70s Kramers like the 250 guitars and basses which you can spot by the aluminum neck and tuning-fork headstock. Be notified when the next “Overdrive” and other great offers from VG become available! Online retailer, Music Yo, begins to sell Kramer products directly to consumers, Kramer reissues classic guitars assembled in the USA as well as offers guitars made overseas. A Kramer Focus was also available as an in-game guitar, as was one of the earlier aluminum neck model Kramers. Details. By 1981, Kramer had the tools, and the experience, to take guitar mass production to a new level. Guitar is in very good condition for its age and even comes with the original case and warranty card, which is … Needs two knobs and some slight electronic work (switch needs some wiggling before sound comes fully through) small fix but I don’t have the money to take it to my tech. Kramer kicked off the ‘80s switching from their USA-made aluminum necks to mostly Japanese-made wood necks, quickly establishing itself as the premier global guitar brand in terms of quality and sales. A meeting between Eddie Van Halen and Kramer execs took place, and Eddie was sold. Kramer Guitars is an American manufacturer of electric guitars and basses. 1979 Kramer 450G Aluminum neck Electric guitar This is a killer guitar with a great look is has tone and sustain that blows a Les Paul away. By late 1985, Kramer began installing Seymour Duncan® pickups in its guitars. Privacy Policy | We use cookies to understand how you use our site, give you an awesome experience, and deliver our services. Rare guitar in great shape. This guitar will ship in the original hard shell case. Insane sustain, very loud and bright. First of all, you won't suddenly feel like you are in your 20s again, so this is not a drug that is going to make you feel inadequate. 5 talking about this. You can use this database for researching parts and original job information for KRAMER equipment produced between 03-14-1974 to 01-31-1990 or having Serial Numbers between E44400 to F79063. This bass is serious on all levels, no frills and all attitude. Out of this early part of Kramer history were born some exquisite musical instruments; truly a fine example of American lutherie. Instead, Kramer opted for wooden inserts in the aluminum necks. By 1983, the Rockinger trem (a.k.a. And while Kramer Guitars followed in the footsteps of builder Travis Bean, who used machined aluminum to make guitar necks starting in ’74, Kramer’s bolt-on necks felt more like a traditional instrument; consisting of an aluminum bar with wood inserts on each side, Kramer’s approach reduced the much-maligned weight of Bean’s neck-through instruments and provided a more-natural (wood) feel. Its two mini-switches controlled “Power” and tone. Mark Knopfler Russia Recommended for you. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to our Kramer's exclusive use of the Floyd Rose® tremolo, Schaller tuning keys, and Seymour Duncan® pickups held it to a higher standard, above and beyond other makers in the 1980s. Plays well, sounds impressive. At this time, Kramer was starting to fall behind on its orders to guitar stores. The black pickups on the DMZ 4000 and the DMX 4001 were typically surrounded by a black plate shaped like an elongated hexagon, while cream-colored pickups weren’t given a surround. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! One break in the outer shell but does not effect inside protection. Its neck was 15/8″ wide at the (aluminum) nut, and the fretboard had 20 frets, joining the body at the 17th on the bass side, 19th on the treble. https://www.vintageguitar.com/14317/kramer-aluminum-neck-basses Unlike Travis Bean, Kramer went beyond the idea of a neck forged entirely out of aluminum, due to both its weight and its feel. Outside dimensions are 46×17×5 Inside dimensions are 45×16 1/2×3 Case weighs 15 pounds This shape is now available from Abstract in a neck through version. (LEFT) Kramer 450B and (RIGHT) DMZ 4001. Kramer Aluminum Neck Adjustments? Discussion in 'Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]' started by Timmay on bass, Nov 17, 2008. Gary Kramer, Dennis Berardi, Peter LaPlaca (a Vice President at Norlin, parent company of Gibson in 1974), and investor Henry Vaccaro joined forces to open a plant in Neptune, New Jersey. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. YouTube user Thinkitis posted a video recently of a Kramer DMZ 5000 featuring an aluminum neck. The company’s catalog noted the “tropical imported body woods,” including Shedua, Bubinga, Afrormosia, and Swetenia, and that the 450B weighed approximately 10 pounds. Walnut & Birdseye maple body. 33.75” scale length with two p bass pickups. The original pickups were replaced APC pickups. 1981 Kramer Flying V (aluminum neck) bass in metallic blue burst finish. “Conceived and designed by Kramer with the input from selected top recording artists, these models deliver exactly what the artist needs when performing today’s style of music, both live and in the recording studio,” it trumpeted. 33 talking about this. Eddie was interested in a tremolo that stayed in tune, which the Rockinger system offered. The fancier bass, dubbed the 450B, had two pickups, a scale of 333/4″ and Schaller M-4 tuners. Please post pictures of your Kramer Aluminum neck … more Kramer-branded case. Kramer first released wooden-neck models in late 1981, following Charvel's lead on producing instruments that essentially copied the strathead headstock shape from Fender. Simply submit this form. Comes with super nice and heavy duty flight case. A notorious firesale of parts was held out of New Jersey. After enjoying great success in the decade – including status as the best-selling brand of ’85 and ’86 – in the ensuing years, the company encountered financial issues, and the brand was ultimately acquired by Gibson. In terms of stability, the aluminum neck was seen as an improvement over wood. Really cool. tremolo system and partnered with a German inventor named Helmut Rockinger, using his tremolos as precursors to Floyd Rose systems, on its instruments. It features the Dimarzio Precision bass style pickup. Cases’s outer shell Is worn but functional. The following year, the 450 guitar and bass were given a dedicated Deluxe Series brochure, as Kramer added new models in other series (Special, Standard, and Artist). The 450B was displayed with what appeared to be a walnut body with a maple-and-walnut center stripe (though the brochure made no mention of body woods), and the fretboard had aluminum dot markers. Kramer fretboards were made of Ebonol, a substance similar to that of a bowling ball, and its headstock design – in the shape of a tuning fork – also set it apart. Dennis Berardi had started Berardi/Thomas Entertainment, Inc. and overextends on endorsement deals. Includes the original hardshell case (missing handle). In late 1983, Kramer switched headstock design to the "banana" headstock design. With early attempts from Wandre and Ovation, the movement really resonates with classic models from Travis Bean and Kramer. The inserts, set in epoxy, were usually walnut or maple. This is a great example of the USA made forked head stock aluminum neck series! The bodies were made of fancy woods such as This guitar plays great it is a bit heavy though 10 lbs. Thinkitis 7,434 views. Timmay on bass. The hardware was top-notch as well: Schaller tuning keys and bridges; Schaller and DiMarzio pickups; custom-made strap pins; aluminum cavity covers. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited. Minor body seam separation near the neck plate. This article originally appeared in Vintage Guitar magazine January 2013 issue. Some guitar makers took things a step further, building entire necks out of aluminum to maximize stability and strength. 12 oz. Kramer’s initial line consisted of two guitars and two basses. Unlike Travis Bean, Kramer went beyond the idea of a neck forged entirely out of aluminum, due to both its weight and its feel. In ’79, the company introduced the DMZ 4001, a passive version of the 4000. At the meeting, he reportedly quipped that he would help make Kramer the "#1 guitar company in the world.". Exceptional player with silky smooth ebonal fret board. Vintage 1979 Kramer DMZ 2000 Aluminum Neck Guitar. Very heavy. Terms & Conditions | Registered Trademarks, Trademark pitchfork aluminum-reinforced necks — "Alumi-necks", Used exotic woods and hybrid wood/aluminum necks until 1982, Offshore production began in Eastern Asia, Guitars assembled and finished at Kramer/New Jersey, Partnered with German inventor, Helmut Rockinger and installed his tremolos, precursors to Floyd Rose® systems, Floyd Rose tremolos become a standard feature, Kramer becomes “The Best Selling Guitar Brand.” (continues through 1986), Japanese made Kramer necks and bodies and assembled guitars in Neptune, New Jersey, for “American Series”, Labor strike hits Korea creating massive backorders. Missing handle and lock keys. In recent years Kramer has reissued classic guitars and limited runs with custom art. Weight: 10lbs 2oz I know nothing about guitars so, What you see is what you get. Kramer EVH Guitars; This Guitar was on Display at the Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Thanks, Stevet. Kramer execs saw that the guitar techniques of the early 1980s demanded a high-performance The guitar Looks like this: Last edited by steve takacs on 8 Oct 2017 11:04 am; edited 1 time in total In 1986, Kramer switched to a “pointy headstock” design, no doubt influenced by other manufacturers at the time. Here is a vintage Kramer 4 string bass. For sale is my 70's Kramer 450-G aluminum neck guitar.I'm not totally sure of the model or year so Google it for more info. When the sales figures came in, Kramer was the best-selling guitar brand of 1985. Controls were guitar-like, with separate Volume and Tone for each pickup, and a three-way pickup selector toggle. Finish has a bit of wear, but looks super tough. That annum also heralded the introduction of Kramer’s DMZ series, with pickups made especially for it by DiMarzio. Sep 17, 2008 Seattle, WA. 4 string. Details. Instead, Kramer opted for wooden inserts in the aluminum necks. A chance encounter between Dennis Berardi and the manager of Eddie Van Halen on an airplane flight set the foundation for Kramer's meteoric rise in the 1980s. Awesome Vintage 80’s Kramer XKB-10 Aluminum Neck Bass Guitar! Switching to wooden-necked instruments both held the promise of keeping production costs low as well as being able to appeal to traditionally-minded guitar players. Kramer DMZ4001 Aluminum Neck Electric Bass Guitar with Original Hard Case For sale is a preowned. Images courtesy of Mike Gutierrez. The original Kramer company effectively came to an end in 1991, mostly due to financial problems. Beautiful, Rare, Aluminum neck, Kramer 650B bass. The DMZ 4000 had a DiMarzio offset pickup (a la Fender’s Precision Bass) with active circuitry. Used 1980’s Kramer Aluminum Neck Xl series Case. Kramer Aluminum Neck Guitar. Marshall Handwired Series 2245THW Head and 1960AHW Cabinet, Have Guitar Will Travel – 043 Featuring Ranger Doug, Have Guitar Will Travel – 041 Featuring Daniel Donato, Have Guitar Will Travel – 044 Featuring Ricky Byrd, Kentucky KM-120 Army-Navy Special Mandolin, SAGA Musical Instruments introduces the Gold Star Prospector. There's lots of stuff on the web about these.It's in good overall.condition. The neck was the same as on the 450B and other models, and the catalog touted three finishes – maple with walnut stripes, walnut with maple stripes, and black. The “fork” headstock shape is very intentional not just for style but also for sustain reasons. Based on the first Kramer models that rocked the world. By 1987, Kramer was using Japan exclusively for manufacturing its necks and bodies. The Kramer Brand was sold out of bankruptcy to Gibson Guitar Corporation. Kramer's "alumi-neck" line lasted roughly until 1982. Kramer DMZ 6000 Bass Aluminum Neck Visual & Sound Check - Duration: 3:01. The original Kramer company effectively came to an end mostly due to financial problems. Generally, the ratio of basses to guitars produced was about 4:1, primarily because bass players were more willing to experiment. All copyrights are by the author and Vintage Guitar magazine. This is a great bass that has been professionally gone through and setup. When it entered the music-instrument market in 1976, Kramer Guitars made a big splash with an aggressive marketing campaign, big-name endorsers, and – most importantly – an improved approach to the then-fresh concept of aluminum necks. Early in Kramer's history, they experimented with a variety of aluminum-neck builds before switching to standard wood builds in the 80s for cost-savings. This is the the one with the ebanol fret-board. Learn More Latches and hinges are good. Has patina/oxidation on the bridge brightwork. In the early ’80s, Kramer began a shift to wooden necks; the last series of Kramer basses with aluminum was the headless Duke (VG, August ’04). All original with the exception of one tuner. But very well taken care, Kramer DMZ4001 aluminum neck electric bass guitar. 2G91121110-4854. Looking to trade for or purchase a good condition Kramer aluminum neck six string guitar. Kramer DMZ Guitars; Kramer 1979 DMZ1000 Aluminum Neck Guitar ala Travis Bean! Ebanol fretboard, zero fret, original factory hard case. By 1995, Henry Vaccaro owned the Kramer Brand; in addition, he was the only one of the original partners interested in continuing in the guitar business. Although it isn't clear whether a lawsuit from Fender ever materialized, Kramer stopped releasing guitars with the trademark Fender headstock shape after only a thousand or so instruments were built. Maple on back of neck. 1986 Kramer USA Pacer American Pointy Guitar Neck 22 Fret Floyd Ready Small Logo A notorious firesale of surplus necks, bodies, and hardware was held out of New Jersey. Study: Drug Used to Shrink Prostate Linked to ED A podcast cannot replace medical advice While podcasts like "The Original Guide to Men's Health" are great to get informed about health and prevention strategies, remember that listening to the show can … Kramer was also becoming overextended financially due to artist endorsement deals, advertising, and royalties to Floyd Rose. When you walk on stage or show up at … 3:01. Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. American made, wine red in color, this thing just screams 80’s mojo. He tried one last time to produce Kramer guitars from surplus parts in the Neptune plant, but only a few hundred were made. True to their late 1980s slogan, “A Step Ahead,” Kramer delivered by innovation. 100% original aluminum V neck classic. Original USA Kramer Condor, Extremely Rare Model, Real Floyd, Banana Headstock. Get your headbanging hair band on with this legendary bad axe. “It offers the bassist all the innovative features Kramer is known for at a modest price…” Finishes were listed as maple, walnut, or black, and gone were references to wood “stripes,” though the 4001 seen here does have inlaid walnut striping. This is the highly sought after aluminum neck model, the Artist series 650B, much less common than the other B series models or DMZ series. Guitars have used steel truss rods in their necks for most of the past seventy years. The Kramer aluminum neck era ran from 1976 to 1985. Factory DiMarzio pickups with coil cutters. The Striker and Aerostar series were made completely in Korea. Original Collection. Comes with it's original Kramer case. In the ’78 catalog, the bodies and pickup rings of the 450 Deluxe were identified as “select American black walnut and maple.” For the first time, its text noted the pickups were single-coil. The “American Series” of instruments were Japanese parts, assembled in Neptune, NJ. In turn, Kramer found its spot in guitar history—outselling Fender and Gibson two years in a row (1985-1986). In 2007, a Kramer Striker controller was created for Guitar Hero III for the PS2, under a licensing agreement with Gibson Guitar Corporation. Top is perfect. Mark Knopfler on Guitars - Duration: 14:25. Introduced in 1976, early models featured the trademark "pitchfork" aluminum-reinforced necks with a fret board made of ebonol—material similar to one used in bowling ball production. Tuners and vintage fulcrum tremolos and necks were made in Japan and shipped to New Jersey for fretting and finishing. Solid bass over all, plays great and electronics work as expected. Please post pictures of your Kramer Aluminum neck … The company was founded in the late 1970s by Dennis Berardi and Gary Kramer, a close friend and associate of Travis Bean, to manufacture aluminum-necked guitars. They are part of the description.

The Kramer aluminum neck era ran from 1976 to 1985. Kramer was the only guitar company offering Original Floyd Rose® tremolos stock on their production guitars, a competitive advantage of Kramer over other guitar manufacturers of the period. Copyright 2021 Gibson Brands, Inc. All rights reserved.