The Hamer Special, introduced in early 1980, was the third model from Hamer, following the Standard and Sunburst. It featured a design inspired by the Gibson Les Paul Special, with a flat-top and double cutaway similar to its predecessors but without body binding. Initially, it had a flame maple top, a mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard, and was equipped with Dimarzio PAF pickups. Early models from 1980 to 1984 had a distinctive rounded body and were often available in various finishes, including transparent and opaque colors. Changes in the design over time included updates to the bridge and the introduction of the ‘Checkerboard’ logo.

By 1984, the Special incorporated the Floyd Rose tremolo system and underwent significant modifications. The body was made entirely of mahogany, and the guitar featured an optional ebony fingerboard with crown inlays. The pickups were updated to Hamer Slammer humbuckers. Post-1985, the production of the Special dwindled as Hamer updated its range. A later version, the Modern Vintage Special (1992-1998), reinstated many original features but with some changes, including a standard tune-o-matic bridge and Seymour Duncan P90 pickups. The Special FM, introduced in 1993, included a thicker maple top and high-quality finishes, and was eventually renamed the Special Custom in 1997.

Gary Moore

1980s Hamer Special

Gary first used this guitar sometime around 1985, and it can be...