Kramer Bareta

Features: - USA original, 1986

- 24 frets
- Laminated, Gibson Hi-Laq finish, laminated headstock
- Main body: basswood
- Neck: maple
- Body stile: modelled on the EVH Kramer 1984
- Bridge: original floyd rose
- Passive electrics, 1 volume control, single humbucker at bridge
- Locking tuners. // 10

Sound: This is a great guitar for any form of hair metal. This type of guitar was mostly known as been used by Edward Van Halen but was also used by Mick Mars of Motley Crue and also by Hanoi Rocks, to name a few. It's best ran through a Peavey 5150 MKII but your lucky to get your hands on one now that they've ceased manufacture. For its age, the guitar plays amazingly well. The pickup was removed and dipped in parrafin wax so all white noise has disappeared. This guitar has the best harmoniic range I've felt with only a +/- 2 fret blank on harmonics at either end of the board. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: As it was customised for the original Floyd Rose, the set up on this guitar is unbeatable. The action is low and fast with no blanks on frets. The first models in 1983 had a habit of being warped but this guitar is perfectly flush. I recently had all the hardawre conditioned and the springs replaced so its flawless. It is known that some of the newer Kramer re-issues have had problems with warping so I would advise you to not buy from unauthorised Kramer dealers on the net and check the insides of the axe before buying a used one. If the loop attaching the spring to the trem is worn. // 10

Reliability & Durability: Reliability was a prime factor in the design of this guitar, after all, it had to survive the Van Halen world tours, not to mention the antics of Motley Crue! I put all my trust in this guitar as it will never fail in its current condition. The guitar is solid, the finish has lasted without any major blistering and all the electronics are original. // 10

Impression: Lets face it, it's a Kramer. In the early '80s, Gibson bought over a small company in central America known as the Kramer corporation. The intention was to manufacture a guitar that would appeal to the musicians of the day, satisfy a heavy metal market. This guitar still does so today, influincing the designs of many punk bands guitars. The guitars are still favoured among session men, I should know! If you have an older Kramer in your house anywhere, dig it out and check the trem. If your guitar has an original floyd rose on it, your holding a gem! I would strongly reccomend this type of guitar to anyone who sees guitar beyond down-stroking and power chords and don't require something particularly mellow like a Strat. Consider buying? Make sure you buy the right one for youand don't fall for post 1991 copies! // 10