Kramer Guitars, an American manufacturer of electric guitars and basses, gained prominence in the 1970s with aluminum-necked instruments and transitioned to wooden-neck guitars in the 1980s, becoming popular among hard rock and heavy metal musicians. Founded by Gary Kramer after parting ways with Travis Bean, the company initially improved on Bean’s designs by adding wooden inserts to aluminum necks. Kramer’s rise in the 1980s was bolstered by Eddie Van Halen’s endorsement and the use of Floyd Rose tremolos, making it the top-selling guitar brand of 1985 and 1986.

Despite success, Kramer faced financial issues in the late 1980s, partly due to the influx of lower-quality models and failed marketing efforts, such as the Gorky Park guitars. The company effectively ended in 1991 after losing a lawsuit and undergoing financial difficulties. The brand was later acquired by Gibson, which has since reissued classic models and introduced new designs. In 2023, Lzzy Hale became the first woman to have a signature Kramer guitar. Today, original Kramer guitars are highly collectible.