Pretty excited(and blown away) by this NGD!!!

[mystixboi]

The first (real) guitar I ever got was an Aria Pro II SL 100 in black back in 1987. Not a bad guitar, but I was able to upgrade a few years later when my dad bought a USA Hamer Centaura in black sparkle from a co-worker. It was a great guitar, but I was stupid and sold it to Sam Ash for $150 in 1998.

I've always wanted to get another one, but they are pretty rare at a good price, especially in any kind of good condition. The other week, I came across a Korean made Hamer Slammer Series Centaura in the same black sparkle finish. The only real aesthetic difference is the USA model had a reverse headstock and this one doesn't. Anyway, I made an offer to the seller and he accepted.

I got the guitar yesterday. It didn't come with a trem bar so I have to get one, but it did come in a gig bag. I got it for $160 total/shipped!!!

First impressions... wow, I can't believe how much guitar for so little money. This guitar must have been a case queen because I can't find a ding or imperfection on it. It came with 10s that I switched to 9's(although 10s might be better on it). This guitar oozes mojo tone. I was shocked with playability and tone.

I've been gassing lately for a guitar with a single coil in the neck so I could get some "real" Strat tones and this nails it. The bridge humbucker is totally adequate too. I won't be changing a single thing on the guitar.

Does it stand up to my PRS, Balaguer or Ibanez guitars? No way, but it's a fantastic guitar for the $$$!!!

 

[MetalHeadMike]

Nice score! For the $ I bet its a great guitar.

What model Balaguer do you have and how do you like it? Strongly considering one of his builds.

 

[mystixboi]

Nice score! For the $ I bet its a great guitar.

What model Balaguer do you have and how do you like it? Strongly considering one of his builds.

Yeah!!! It’s a monster for sure. I can’t believe the amount of guitar for the price.

I have a few Balaguer builds… I have a Growler in rustic white and Thicket in Purple Fade. I also have an Astra(single cut) in the queue. I’ve owned a few other Growlers and Archetypes too. Which model are you considering?

As far as the playability and tone… pretty awesome!!! I choose roasted maple for my necks and fretboards because that combo with the neck shape is absolutely amazing…. Like a good old pair of jeans. His pickups are great for sure. I have Ferrals in my Thicket and they are pretty hot, but articulate. I have Evergreens in my Growler and I like those too because even though they aren’t as hot as the Ferrals, they cover a lot of sonic ground.

If you have questions on any of his stuff, please feel free to message me.

 

[Deanmachine]

Nice!

 

[MetalHeadMike]

Nice score! For the $ I bet its a great guitar.

What model Balaguer do you have and how do you like it? Strongly considering one of his builds.

Yeah!!! It’s a monster for sure. I can’t believe the amount of guitar for the price.

I have a few Balaguer builds… I have a Growler in rustic white and Thicket in Purple Fade. I also have an Astra(single cut) in the queue. I’ve owned a few other Growlers and Archetypes too. Which model are you considering?

As far as the playability and tone… pretty awesome!!! I choose roasted maple for my necks and fretboards because that combo with the neck shape is absolutely amazing…. Like a good old pair of jeans. His pickups are great for sure. I have Ferrals in my Thicket and they are pretty hot, but articulate. I have Evergreens in my Growler and I like those too because even though they aren’t as hot as the Ferrals, they cover a lot of sonic ground.

If you have questions on any of his stuff, please feel free to message me.

Right on, thanks for the input! Just discovered his stuff, so still haven't honed in on one model. I'm most interested in the Thicket>Hyperion>Archetype in that order; at least at the moment hahahaha! What really attracts me to his stuff is the available options; some great great things to choose from IMO!

 

[mystixboi]

Nice score! For the $ I bet its a great guitar.

What model Balaguer do you have and how do you like it? Strongly considering one of his builds.

Yeah!!! It’s a monster for sure. I can’t believe the amount of guitar for the price.

I have a few Balaguer builds… I have a Growler in rustic white and Thicket in Purple Fade. I also have an Astra(single cut) in the queue. I’ve owned a few other Growlers and Archetypes too. Which model are you considering?

As far as the playability and tone… pretty awesome!!! I choose roasted maple for my necks and fretboards because that combo with the neck shape is absolutely amazing…. Like a good old pair of jeans. His pickups are great for sure. I have Ferrals in my Thicket and they are pretty hot, but articulate. I have Evergreens in my Growler and I like those too because even though they aren’t as hot as the Ferrals, they cover a lot of sonic ground.

If you have questions on any of his stuff, please feel free to message me.

Right on, thanks for the input! Just discovered his stuff, so till having honed in on one model. I'm most interested in the Thicket>Hyperion>Archetype in that order; at least at the moment hahahaha! What really atracts me to his stuff is the available options; some great great things to choose from IMO!

For sure!!! Thicket is my favorite of his models!

 

[Frehley12]

I had a USA Centaura in the exact finish as yours, reverse headstock. I stupidly sold it. My friend has one in black and white marble granite with maple neck. He will never part with it. These are my favorite super strats!