Hamer USA Hits The Streets With Workshop Tour
April 21, 2006
For over 30 years, Hamer Guitars has been building the world’s finest hand-crafted electric guitars. Started in 1973 in a vintage guitar shop owned by Jol Dantzig, Hamer Guitars was at the forefront of the boutique and vintage movements. Today, Dantzig, and Hamer’s troupe of ten builders create modern-vintage masterpieces in their quaint workshop located in New Hartford, Connecticut.
In 2004 Hollywood producer Michael Brady approached Hamer with the idea to produce a documentary film. Brady, whose portfolio included documentaries about Nike, Porsche and AMG Mercedes, wanted to document Hamer’s pivotal role as the first boutique electric guitar company. Filming began later that year. The documentary, titled Building an American Legend, has captivated viewers around the world—building even greater interest in the Hamer brand. The DVD is available on the Hamer website here.
In response to the success of the film, Jol Dantzig and Hamer product manger Frank Rindone, decided to take the Hamer story on the road, visiting dealers and civic groups across the country. The Guitar ‘Guru’ tour has not only been very successful in educating and supporting Hamer’s dealers, but has also brought an overview of the history of electric guitars in general to a wide audience. Dantzig’s passion for guitars is obvious as he explains how Hamer’s history is intertwined with that of popular music and culture. Audiences are riveted with historical information and detailed descriptions of the hand-craftsmanship that goes into each guitar. Dantzig’s presentation is peppered with philosophical insight and humorous anecdotes about rock stars and industry legends.
On the most recent leg of the tour, Dantzig and Rindone visited Wolfe Guitars in Jupiter, Fl., Boutique Guitar Exchange in Atlanta, GA., and Corner Music in Nashville, TN. Plans are in the works for their next round of appearances… check out the Guru Tour when it swings your way. See the Tour Recap here.
