NEW Kramer SM-1 (Stagemaster reissue)

The folks at Gibson/Kramer have seen fit to give a lot of Kramer fans what they have been asking for. A Kramer arch top Stagemaster reissue. Apparently, the name "Stagemaster is owned by someone else so they are calling this new Stagey the "SM-1"

Here's some pics:

Details are a bit fuzzy at this point but it appears that these new Stageys should be dropping by June. I for one can't wait. I'm not a big EMG fan but I think one of these may be in my future. Provided they are reasonably priced. 

The good news is that so far it looks fantastic! "Claw" inlay neck through construction, vintage pointy neck with the old style logo, arch top body... What's not to love? 

650G

Here is an example of a 70's Kramer 650G. This guitar shows the kind of craftsmanship Kramer put into their early guitars.

They used aluminum necks and premium hardwoods. In this case it was Maple and Walnut. Note the pick up rings fashioned from walnut.

The pickups were custom made humbuckers with chrome covers. They mounted from the back through aluminum plates. Kramer also used sheet aluminum for cavity covers in the early days which went along well with the Aluminum necks.

The Aluminum necks were fitted with Schaller tuners on the "tuning fork" like head stocks. Kramer also used wood inserts along the length of the neck to lighten them as well as make the neck feel better in your hand. 

 

Here is a shot of the head stock from the front

Fret boards were crafted from "Ebonal" which is essentially the same material used in making bowling balls. Inlays were Mother of Pearl.

This photo shows the way layers of hardwood  were used on some of these early Kramers. The craftsmanship was top notch and inspired. These guitars are as beautiful as they are unique. 

Kramer Focus 3000D

Below is a clean looking Focus 3000D.

The 3000D differed from the standard 3000 by the lack of a second tone control and the 1/4" jack where it would normally be. Some have speculated that the "D" indicates they had DiMarzio pickups but from what I have seen they are no name pickups. I've been told by DiMarzio themselves that all of the pickups made by them have DiMarzio stamped in the base plate.

This one has a color matching "beak" headstock with the "Focus by Kramer" logo. 

I really like the white with black pick guard here and the fact that it's a far more rare 3000"D" just makes it that much cooler.

Arch top Stagemaster Custom I

This is a gorgeous example of a Stagemaster Custom I champagne. I love the claw or sharktooth inlays on the fret board. These arch top "Stagey's" are considered by some to be the finest guitars Kramer made. They are stunning in appearance. I will someday own a Stagemaster Custom I myself.

It appears as though this one in particular has had the original Seymour Duncan pick ups swapped out for a set of active EMG's. I cant say that would be my choice but to each their own...

1983 Kramer Voyager (VYG-1)

Here is what appears to be a fine example of a Voyager from about the time when Kramer first started using the Original Floyd Rose.

This one has what is commonly referred to as a "chicken beak" or classic headstock shape. Kramer is mostly recognized today by their later pointy Jackson like headstock shape or maybe the "banana" headstock. 

What most people dont realize is that Kramers' first wood necks used a headstock design similar to a Fender Stratocaster. It was so similar that Fender threatened to sue Kramer if they didn't change it. So Kramers' answer was to simply shave off the rounded ball like end, and as a result the classic or "beak" was born!

  This guitar came in original Kramer case that sports the old tuning fork style logo. This design was most commonly associated with Kramers' aluminum necks who's head stocks looked similar to a tuning fork.

All in all I'd say this Voyager looks like it was pretty well taken care of. I just love seeing an old Kramer in good condition...