When we unveiled the Talladega in January, we knew we had a really cool guitar, but we weren't prepared for the amount of interest that it generated. Our guys have been working diligently to build them along with our backlog of custom stuff, but don't worry... we aren't rushing anything. We realize that not many people have been able to audition a Talladega yet, so we decided to start up some sound clip pages on our website to demo what it can do.

The first series was recorded by our friend Greg V, a Nashville-based monster guitarist who has paid his dues on the road and in the studio with some pretty heavy cats like Ronnie Montrose, Buddy Miles, Double Trouble and Keith Urban, 'to name a few,' as they say.

Our intent is to keep adding pages from other Hamer artists so that you can get a feel for what is possible with the Talladega. Instead of doing the usual run through the pickups playing the same licks, Jol asked Greg to demonstrate an almost stream-of-consciousness style to let the guitar's tone dictate the music. It's just a better way to showcase what is possible with the Talladega. Take a listen, enjoy and keep watching our site for new clips:

CLICK HERE

(L to R) Catalog designers: Tim Norcia, Eileen Lanati, Scott LaChapelle and Hamer product manager, Frank Rindone

The CADC (Connecticut Art Director Club) recently recognized the design and production of our 2007 catalog during their annual 'Design Ain’t Pretty' awards ceremony. Hamer received the Silver award in the Consumer Catalogs category.

This yearly competition is open to Connecticut artists and designers, and is recognized nationwide as a prestigious gathering of advertising work— with the judges being from top ad agencies from all over the country. The competition culminates with a gala celebration to recognize the artistic achievements in all categories. Congratulations to the talented design team!

Old friends from Chicago, Kal David and Jol

It was great to spend some time with Bluesman Kal David when he stopped by the Hamer workshop recently to pick up his custom color Talladega. Kal makes it a point of hanging out with us almost every time he's in our neck of the woods and it's always a good time. From his early days with Paul Cotton, Etta James and John Mayall, to his stint with the Fabulous Rhinestones, Kal has remained true to his Chicago roots—and of course, we like that.

Kal was en route to the Atlanta Blues Festival with his band 'The Real Deal,' after headlining a festival gig in nearby Hartford. He couldn't wait to get his hands on his black transparent 'Tally' and a local gig down the street from our shop at Black-eyed Sallys that night provided the perfect venue for Kal to get acquainted with his new soul-mate.

On the evening of August 10th, 2007, rock and roll legend Rick Nielsen walked onto the stage of the Hollywood Bowl and strummed an historic chord on a very potent guitar created especially for a landmark event. That famous and familiar chord resonated around the world to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the album that changed the face of rock and formed the soundtrack for generations to come – Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

For two sold-out nights, Rick and his Cheap Trick band-mates, backed by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, performed the album in its entirety, with arrangement by Sir George Martin and Beatles engineer Geoff Emorick at the sound controls. A second set of select Beatles material was also performed to the enthusiastic audiences. Now, that guitar can keep on making a difference.

The magical guitar, nicknamed 'Uncle Pepper,' is a one-of-a-kind piece of art created by our own legendary guitar designer Jol Dantzig and world renowned Beatles artist, Shannon. They, along with Hamer, Rick Nielsen, Cheap Trick, and Liverpool's Hard Day's Night Hotel, will offer the guitar for 'lottery' (as they call it in England) to benefit underprivileged children around the world through John Lennon and Yoko Ono's Imagine Appeal charity. The charity, which benefits the Alder Hey children's hospital in Lennon's hometown, helps over 200,000 underprivileged children each year.

Donations to the Imagine Appeal can be made online once the lottery begins. Each person's donation buys a chance to win the guitar. The winner's new guitar will be displayed in the lobby of the Hard Day's Night Hotel for an entire year with the winner's name on a brass plaque that depicts the guitar's significance—quite a collectible for some lucky patron. At Hamer, we're honored to be in such esteemed company and happy to make a difference in so many lives. For more photos and information:

CLICK HERE