Save on pre-loved TVs
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows.
Buy new:
$39.99
FREE delivery Saturday, November 1
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$39.99
FREE delivery Saturday, November 1
Or Prime members get FREE delivery Thursday, October 30. Order within 6 hrs 53 mins.
Only 11 left in stock (more on the way).
$$39.99 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$39.99
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
FREE 30-day refund/replacement
FREE 30-day refund/replacement
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$26.80
$3.99 delivery November 6 - 12. Details
Only 2 left in stock - order soon.
$$39.99 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$39.99
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Ships from and sold by Buzybee Books.
Added to

Sorry, there was a problem.

There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. Please try again.

Sorry, there was a problem.

List unavailable.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

The Ultimate: An Illustrated History of Hamer Guitars Hardcover – August 28, 2013

by Steve Matthes (Author), Joe Moffett (Author)
4.8 out of 5 stars 74 ratings
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$39.99","priceAmount":39.99,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"39","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"99","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"7pcxY6MMRQYjY2q%2BntbkLB2xthZdG1q8FO%2BQHWFyI2ROZa92Zhmugzzn%2BTVfSVcEGqxKcKET3uNXZBGpahLKZ7NsWiEv8skWKdG0YYG7qNPZdRgdJoOEfVcNAcodR%2BTy0ReCO9aG%2FLS8JxCsuTKN%2FQ%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$26.80","priceAmount":26.80,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"26","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"80","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"7pcxY6MMRQYjY2q%2BntbkLB2xthZdG1q855q5giKElHZH7TIMq86U4ufRfn5GpXQTDFG2Ygk%2BbxGWSFGtNbeurCnAM%2Fe5IT59eqfv22FAuIXNzc7nJlxl4K1fptSN44s8pMlG2uRTfk2kKax1bmixuiOJPNsk198Dh57OYddiv3QQXgGxR6MHarZxiRIIMw8d","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

A complete history of the Hamer Guitar Company from its origins to the present, including never-before-published photos and personal interviews provide a rare behind-the-scenes look of the company.

Foreword by Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen

Hamer Guitars is often regarded as the first boutique guitar builder. From its humble beginnings in founder Paul Hamer’s Northern Prairie Music Shop to its acquisition by the Fender Musical Instrument Corporation in 2008, the Hamer story is traced through nearly 400 images and dozens of interviews with those involved with the company.

See how Hamer rose to compete with the giants of American guitar-making. Learn the inspiration for the making of its “ultimate” guitar, the Standard. Containing pieces by two of the company’s principal architects – Hamer and Jol Dantzig – and told in lavishly illustrated text with many never before published photos and drawings, this history of Hamer Guitars is a treasured keepsake and resource for every lover of the electric guitar.

Includes a foreword by Hamer’s most prominent Standard bearer, Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen.
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    176 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Schiffer
  4. Publication date
    August 28, 2013
  5. Dimensions
    8.6 x 0.9 x 11 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    9780764343520
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0764343520
Next slide of product details
The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now

Frequently purchased items with fast delivery

Page 1 of 1 Start over
Previous set of slides
  1. Fender: The Official Illustrated History
    Dave Hunter
     
    Hardcover
    $20.21
    Get it as soon as Saturday, Nov 1
    FREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by Amazon
    Only 7 left in stock (more on the way).
  2. Guitars and Heroes: Mythic Guitars and Legendary Musicians
    Julien Bitoun
     
    Paperback
    $14.21
    Get it as soon as Saturday, Nov 1
    FREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by Amazon
  3. Fender 75 Years
    Dave Hunter
     
    Hardcover
    $30.25
    Get it as soon as Saturday, Nov 1
    FREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by Amazon
  4. Les Paul - 70 Years: The definitive history of rock's greatest guitar
    Julien Bitoun
     
    Hardcover
    $31.99
    Get it as soon as Saturday, Nov 1
    FREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by Amazon
  5. Guitar Family Trees: The History of the World's Most Iconic Guitars
    Terry Burrows
     
    Hardcover
    $19.80
    Get it as soon as Saturday, Nov 1
    FREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by Amazon
Next set of slides

From the brand

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Steve Matthes has been playing and collecting guitars since 1979. He lives in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with his wife and children. Joe Moffett works at Northern Kentucky University. He has authored a number of books and articles, and has been playing, buying, and selling guitars for almost twenty-five years. He lives in Kentucky.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0764343521
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Schiffer
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 28, 2013
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 176 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780764343520
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0764343520
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.62 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.6 x 0.9 x 11 inches
  • Best Sellers Rank: #1,300,836 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 74 ratings

Related books

Page 1 of 1Start Over
Sponsored
Previous page
  1. Shop the Store on Amazon ›
    Guitar Book for Adult Beginners: The 7-Day Guitar Kickstart. Step-by-Step Guide and Video Lessons to Learn Guitar with Ease | Chords, Strumming, and Songs
    Guitar Book for Adult Beginners: The 7-Day Guitar Kickstart. Step-by-Step Guide and Video Lessons to Learn Guitar with Ease | Chords, Strumming, and Songs
    4.54.5 out of 5 stars77
    $18.97
  2. Shop the Store on Amazon ›
    Truly: The Official Inspirational Journey Through the Life of a Musical Legend
    Truly: The Official Inspirational Journey Through the Life of a Musical Legend
    4.74.7 out of 5 stars198
    $25.18 List:$36.00
  3. Shop the Store on Amazon ›
    How to Play the Left-Handed Guitar for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide to Learning, Playing, and Becoming Proficient at the Instrument (Instruments for Beginners)
    How to Play the Left-Handed Guitar for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide to Learning, Playing, and Becoming Proficient at the Instrument (Instruments for Beginners)
    4.04.0 out of 5 stars31
    $9.99
  4. Shop the Store on Amazon ›
    The Dogfather: Dog wisdom & Life lessons: Bearded Collie book
    The Dogfather: Dog wisdom & Life lessons: Bearded Collie book
    4.34.3 out of 5 stars9
    $24.44
Next page

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
74 global ratings

Customers say

Customers praise the book's great photos, with one noting the inclusion of serial number logs, and appreciate its detailed content. Moreover, the book provides excellent historical perspective, with one customer highlighting its coverage of the early years. Additionally, customers find the guitar content engaging, with one describing it as a great line of instruments.

Select to learn more

Photo qualityDetailGuitarsHistorical contextStory quality
8 customers mention "Photo quality"7 positive1 negative

Customers appreciate the photos in the book, with one noting the inclusion of serial number logs, and another describing it as the coolest collection of archival images.

"My Hamer fan loved it! Beautiful photographs and lots of information." Read more

"...Well written and very accessible - gorgeous photos with tons of detail - help your friends understand why you play Hamer guitars...." Read more

"...It’s got a lot of excellent photos and the Hamer story is very interesting...." Read more

"Wow, this is an awesome book! Amazing detail and photos. The author is definitely an expert on Hamer guitars. 2 thumbs up!" Read more

3 customers mention "Detail"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's detailed content.

"My Hamer fan loved it! Beautiful photographs and lots of information." Read more

"...Well written and very accessible - gorgeous photos with tons of detail - help your friends understand why you play Hamer guitars...." Read more

"Wow, this is an awesome book! Amazing detail and photos. The author is definitely an expert on Hamer guitars. 2 thumbs up!" Read more

3 customers mention "Guitars"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the guitars featured in the book, with one customer highlighting the evolution of Hamer guitars.

"Discusses the early years and the evolution of Hamer guitars. It also discusses most of the models in the Hamer stable." Read more

"...Has catalogs and beautiful large photos of famous models.. Its guitar bliss. Hardcover. Large format." Read more

"A great history of a great line of guitars..." Read more

3 customers mention "Historical context"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the historical perspective of the book, with one mentioning how it covers the early years of Hamer Guitars.

"...Excellent historical perspective and wonderful stories abound! Buy It!" Read more

"Discusses the early years and the evolution of Hamer guitars. It also discusses most of the models in the Hamer stable." Read more

"A great history of a great line of guitars..." Read more

3 customers mention "Story quality"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story of Hamer Guitars.

"...Great story and awesome pictures of some great guitars and the advertising. I did read the book and enjoyed it...." Read more

"...It’s got a lot of excellent photos and the Hamer story is very interesting...." Read more

"...Excellent historical perspective and wonderful stories abound! Buy It!" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Gary Granger
    5.0 out of 5 stars Story of Hamer Guitars Inspiring and Revealing
    Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2013
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    I grew up playing guitar and started when I was 12---which means that I was just getting started on guitar when Hamer Guitars was starting to hit their stride. I remember seeing their ads in Guitar Player magazine often--yet it was many years later before I played my first Hamer. I played a borrowed Hamer for a recording session and it sounded incredible, had killer action and was just screaming Quality.
    Finally, I am ready to buy my first Hamer USA and I get the Monaco SuperPro with Jazz Burst finish and it's the most amazing instrument in so many ways. Still screaming Quality!!! And then they close the shop and it's all over!

    Read this book to understand the story of this amazing American guitar company that kept their eye on the ball of quality and created a legendary line of instruments that evolved over time to meet the needs of their clients.
    Excellent historical perspective and wonderful stories abound!

    Buy It!
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Don in Dallas
    5.0 out of 5 stars Hamer encyclopedia. Its that good
    Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2022
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Most enjoyable read. Book is literally a Hamer encyclopedia. Has history and models illustrated unknown to outsiders. The serial number logs are photographed, but would like to see some artifacts blown up. Has catalogs and beautiful large photos of famous models.. Its guitar bliss. Hardcover. Large format.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Voltairian
    5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely interesting book with great photos
    Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2021
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    I only had interest in a couple of Hamer models, but this book is great. It’s got a lot of excellent photos and the Hamer story is very interesting. It’s a shame what was done to the brand once it was sold to other companies, but the original USA made instruments were phenomenal.
    Helpful
     Report
  • C. Matthes
    5.0 out of 5 stars Finally! Great book - sets a new "Standard"...
    Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2013
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    For years, there has been far too little accurate information - and frankly, a great deal of faulty myth and speculation out there - about this great guitar brand. As a player and collector of HAMER Guitars for more than three decades, it is great to finally see a reference work that actually does justice to the legacy of the first boutique guitar company. The authors have clearly dedicated much time and care interviewing the innovative founders, shop guys, artists and people who "were there". This volume also compiles the coolest collection of archival photos, catalog and promotional materials, and the most drool-worthy collection of legendary and classic HAMERs anywhere.

    This is definitely the "New Classic" in guitar reference books!
    9 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • LexLuthier
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great for Hamer nerds
    Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2017
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Very cool book, as now that the original Hamer company is long gone, it is great to get this stuff documented before peoples memory fades. I really wish the book would have gone into more detail behind Paul Hamer leaving the company, seems like a big omission to me, because that was always something I wondered about, and the book really didn't provide answers. Sometimes the truth isn't pretty, but leaving out something like that leaves a hole in an otherwise fine book. But for the hardcore Hamer fan, it's a must have book!
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Robert B Goble
    5.0 out of 5 stars This book will essentially validate every reason you've ever loved a Hamer for and then some
    Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2016
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    If you are a Hamer player or fan this is a must have book for your guitar library or on your coffee table. Well written and very accessible - gorgeous photos with tons of detail - help your friends understand why you play Hamer guitars. This book will essentially validate every reason you've ever loved a Hamer for and then some. Great Job Steve.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • JRB
    4.0 out of 5 stars It's the best available
    Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2021
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    I like this book and appreciate the labor of love that it is. I really wanted more info on the guitars themselves. Hamer made some structural changes to their guitars to improve upon the design flaws they saw in "vintage" guitars they repaired in their shop. As a guitar geek, I would have liked more info about the different models of guitars over the years and the thought processes behind the decisions. Yes, much of that information is available online, but I guess I would love to see a large coffee table style book with all the info and as many pictures as possible.
    Helpful
     Report
  • George Sojka
    5.0 out of 5 stars If you own a Hamer or just love great guitars this is great book to own.
    Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2014
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    I am not much of a reader but owning a few Hamer guitar made me want this book. Great story and awesome pictures of some great guitars and the advertising. I did read the book and enjoyed it. Pictures of every model of the guitars they produced made me want more Hamer guitars. Maybe I'll hit the lottery someday! Until then I'll enjoy the ones I own and this beautiful book.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Pierre-H
    5.0 out of 5 stars great documentation and pictures
    Reviewed in Canada on March 20, 2016
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Well done, great documentation and pictures.A must for any Hamer (or 70's-80's guitar) lover. Would've had appreciated to have a little more on Paul Hamer's departure. This part appeared to be a more delicate subject...
    Report
  • mr. m. h. harrison
    5.0 out of 5 stars Tremendous book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 6, 2024
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Informative history of Hamer guitars with great photos. A must for Hamer fans
    Report
  • C Mchen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Für Hamer-Besitzer / -Spieler unverzichtbar!
    Reviewed in Germany on June 28, 2018
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Wer immer schon mal wissen wollte, wie ein Custom-Shop vor Gibson, Fender und PRS funktionierte, sollte sich unbedingt dieses Werk zulegen.
    Hamer gibt es mittlerweile nicht mehr, aber die Instrumente sind gebraucht erhältlich und halten jeden Vergleich mit den 3 genannten Marken Stand. Und auch mit einigen mehr..
    Der Autor gibt einen wirklich tiefen Einblick, wie das Business entstanden ist, was so alles über die Jahre gebaut wurde, Hamer-Player (nein, nicht nur Rick Nielsen / CheapTrick) und man sieht sehr viele, schöne und aussergewöhnliche Instrumente.
    Ich bin selber Besitzer einer Hamer und das Buch macht echt Freude - einziger Wermutstropfen: leider gibt es die Firma nicht mehr.
    Von daher ist das Buch aus sowas wie ein Andenken, an den ersten Custom-Shop der E-Gitarrenwelt!
    Report
  • Og Oggilby
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Hamer Story in it's Tattered Glory
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 20, 2016
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    I have owned a Hamer electric guitar for thirty-eight years. It was expensive when I bought it - the summer of 1978 - and I purchased it on the never-never that my dad had to sign guarantor forms on. I loved it then, and I love it still, and knowing that I am the person who has played it in and put most of the dinks and chips in the finish is like a kind of metaphor for growing up and older. I bought it because I was a huge fan of Cheap Trick, who were endorsees of the Hamer company. The guitars were great.

    The Hamer brand flourished for thirty years or so, before being bought by Fender, and then it all went to pot. I think the brand has been mothballed now. Anyway, this lovingly-written and beautifully illustrated tome shed much light on how Hamer became a renowned trademark of guitar-making quality, even though it was too good to last. I live i hope that one day my guitar - a double cutaway Les Paul Junior shape 'Sunburst' model - will be worth thousands. I doubt it, and I probably wouldn't sell anyway. This book is smashing for someone like me, who wanted to know the story behind the guitars.
    Report
  • Karolus
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ein fantastisches Buch!!
    Reviewed in Germany on September 29, 2013
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    The Ultimate Hamer Guitars: An Illustrated History ist ein durch und durch gelungenes Buch, das die Geschichte dieser klienen aber feinen Gitarrenmanufaktur umfassend und mit wunderbaren Bildern illustriert darstellt. Als eingefleischter Fan und Besitzer von Hamer USA Gitarren bin ich sehr froh, dass sich die Autoren so viel Mühe gegeben haben, um die Geschichte der Firma und ihrer Instrumente von den Anfängen in den frühen 70er Jahren des letzten Jahrhunderts bis zur "Liquidierung" der Marke durch Fender Musical Instruments im vergangenen Jahr darzustellen. Das Buch wird hoffentlich mit dazu beitragen, diesen Pionieren des modernen Instrumentenbaus ihren verdienten Platz im E-Gitarren-Olymp einzuräumen.
    Eine Zugabe besonderer Art sind die Beiträge von Paul Hamer, Jol Dantzig und Rick Nielsen, deren Namen ja untrennbar mit Hamer USA vefrbunden sind.
    Report