Kramer
In the late 1970s, two visionary individuals, Dennis Berardi and Gary Kramer, embarked on a mission to revolutionize the guitar industry. Their brainchild, Kramer Guitars, was established with a distinct focus on crafting instruments with aluminum necks, setting them apart from the traditional wooden necks prevalent in the market at that time. Alongside esteemed collaborators Peter LaPlaca and investor Henry Vaccaro, Berardi and Kramer opened a manufacturing plant in Neptune, New Jersey, setting the stage for the future of guitar craftsmanship.
Introduced to the world in 1976, Kramer Guitars showcased their distinctive "pitchfork" aluminum-reinforced necks, enhancing stability and durability. Unlike Travis Bean, another pioneer of aluminum-necked guitars, Kramer took a different approach by incorporating wooden inserts within the aluminum necks. These inserts, meticulously set in epoxy, often featured exquisite walnut or maple, adding warmth and tonal variety. The bodies of these instruments were constructed from premium woods like curly or Birdseye maple, walnut, and koa, exuding both elegance and sonic excellence.
Attention to detail was paramount in the creation of Kramer guitars. The hardware used was of the highest quality, including Schaller tuning keys and bridges, Schaller and DiMarzio pickups, and custom-made strap pins. Even the aluminum cavity covers were carefully designed to contribute to the overall aesthetic and functionality. This commitment to craftsmanship and quality resonated throughout the early years of Kramer Guitars.
During this era, Kramer primarily focused on producing bass guitars, with a ratio of approximately four basses to every guitar. Bass players were particularly drawn to the innovation and experimentation offered by Kramer's aluminum-necked instruments. These guitars and basses, born from the early days of Kramer history, were celebrated as true examples of American lutherie, embodying the spirit of ingenuity and excellence.
By 1981, Kramer Guitars had garnered substantial experience and acquired the necessary tools to take guitar mass production to new heights. Recognizing the opportunity to appeal to a broader market while keeping production costs in check, Kramer shifted their focus to wooden-necked instruments. Inspired by Charvel's success in emulating Fender's iconic strathead headstock shape, Kramer initially released guitars with a similar design. However, after producing only a limited number of instruments, Kramer discontinued the use of the trademark Fender headstock shape, possibly to avoid potential legal complications. Instead, they adopted a distinctive "beak" shape reminiscent of the classic 1960s Kent guitar headstocks.
To streamline production and maintain competitive pricing, Kramer made the strategic decision to offshore guitar component manufacturing to Eastern Asia. Tuners, vintage fulcrum tremolos, and necks were produced in Japan and shipped to New Jersey for fretting and finishing. This move allowed Kramer to harness the expertise and craftsmanship of Eastern Asian manufacturers while ensuring meticulous quality control during the final stages of production.
In a serendipitous turn of events, fate intervened when Dennis Berardi coincidentally met the manager of legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen during a flight. Eddie, renowned for his innovative playing style and quest for a tremolo system that stayed in tune, discovered that the Rockinger tremolo system, partnered with Kramer Guitars, could fulfill his requirements. An influential meeting between Eddie Van Halen, Kramer executives, and Dennis Berardi took place, leading to a transformative alliance. During this meeting, Eddie boldly proclaimed his dedication to making Kramer the "#1 guitar company in the world."
Eddie Van Halen's endorsement marked a turning point for Kramer Guitars, propelling them to meteoric fame in the 1980s. With Eddie's iconic status and his association with Kramer, the brand gained significant visibility and credibility among musicians and enthusiasts alike. The partnership paved the way for the integration of innovative tremolo systems, notably the precursors to the legendary Floyd Rose systems, developed in collaboration with Dieter Goelsdorf, the founder of Rockinger.
The subsequent years witnessed Kramer Guitars reaching unprecedented levels of popularity and influence. Musicians around the world were captivated by the blend of innovation, high-quality craftsmanship, and iconic design that defined Kramer instruments. The company continued to evolve and expand its offerings, diversifying its product line to cater to a broader range of musical styles and preferences.
The legacy of Kramer Guitars endures to this day, serving as a testament to the vision and dedication of its founders. With a rich history rooted in pioneering spirit, relentless pursuit of excellence, and collaborations with legendary musicians, Kramer Guitars remains a revered name in the world of guitar manufacturing. From the early days of aluminum-necked guitars to their later wooden-necked instruments, Kramer has left an indelible mark on the industry, forever changing the way musicians create and perform.
