Kramer Guitars Shop
Born in the garage and raised on the stages of the 1980s, Kramer Guitars stands as the ultimate symbol of high-performance shred. These instruments defined an era of rock rebellion by trading traditional designs for aluminum-necked innovation and lightning-fast wooden “superstrats.” As the undisputed kings of the mid-eighties, Kramer outsold the giants of the industry by pairing aggressive Seymour Duncan pickups with the game-changing stability of Floyd Rose tremolos. From the iconic single-humbucker Baretta to the legendary “hockey stick” headstocks, the brand continues to craft sleek, high-output machines built for players who refuse to play it safe. Today, as a proud division of Gibson, Kramer remains the go-to choice for modern metalheads and nostalgia-seekers looking to capture that classic, high-octane energy.
Top Kramer Guitars
Kramer Baretta
This flagship single-humbucker “Superstrat” remains the ultimate tribute to the 1980s shred era, featuring a slanted Seymour Duncan JB pickup and an original Floyd Rose for peak heavy metal performance.
Kramer Pacer Classic
As a tribute to the original 1983 design, this highly versatile double-cutaway model offers an H-H pickup configuration and a lightning-fast neck profile that caters to both hard rock rhythm and technical lead playing.
Kramer NightSwan
Designed for maximum agility, this unique short-scale shredder stands out with its ebony fingerboard, dual humbuckers positioned in the middle and bridge, and a striking “reverse banana” headstock.
Kramer Guitars engineers the ultimate high-octane machines for players who live to shred and crave that unmistakable eighties flash.
Kramer Product Categories
Vintage Reissues
These guitars bring the golden age of hair metal back to life with surgical precision. The Pacer and Baretta models recreate the iconic feel and retro tones that once dominated the Sunset Strip, making them a dream for collectors and nostalgia-seekers alike.
Modern Performance
Engineered for the technical demands of today’s fastest players, these instruments prioritize speed and surgical accuracy. Series like the Assault and Nite-V feature ultra-slim necks and enhanced intonation, providing a versatile platform for high-gain mastery.
Entry-Level
Breaking into the world of shred shouldn’t break the bank, and these accessible models prove it. The Intrepid and Ventura series offer solid playability and classic Kramer aesthetics for beginners who want a reliable start in the $250–$400 range.
Original and Artist Collections
This diverse lineup celebrates the unique signatures and bold designs that made the brand a household name. From the triple-humbucker punch of the Jersey Star to the specialized layout of the NightSwan, these guitars are built for artists who want to stand out.
Player Experiences
Marcus Thorne After thirty years of playing, I finally picked up a Baretta Vintage reissue, and it’s like stepping into a time machine back to 1985. The single humbugger is surprisingly expressive, cleaning up nicely when I roll back the volume, but it absolutely screams when I kick on my lead channel. The Floyd Rose stays perfectly in tune even after the most aggressive dive bombs, and the maple neck has that smooth, fast finish that makes complex tapping sequences feel effortless.
Elena Rodriguez I’ve been using the Kramer Assault as my main stage guitar for the last year, and the modern refinements are a total game-changer for my live sets. The body is much lighter than my old single-cut guitars, which saves my back during two-hour shows, and the access to the higher frets is completely unobstructed. The intonation is rock solid across the entire fretboard, allowing me to transition from heavy rhythm chugging to soaring melodic solos without worrying about tuning drift.
Dustin Vogel As a college student on a budget, I was worried I’d have to settle for a boring “starter” guitar, but the Intrepid surprised me with its punchy tone and flashy finish. It has a much more aggressive personality than other guitars in the $300 range, and the neck profile is thin enough to help me practice my scales without hand fatigue. It’s the perfect entry-level axe for anyone who wants to play loud, fast music without spending a fortune on their first rig.
Kramer FAQ
Are Kramer guitars suitable for beginners?
Yes, many Kramer models are excellent for beginners, particularly the Pacer Classic and Baretta Special. While models with a Floyd Rose tremolo require a bit more patience to learn how to string and tune, the slim neck profiles make them very comfortable for players who are just starting to develop their hand strength.
Where are current Kramer guitars manufactured?
Most modern Kramer guitars are manufactured in Indonesia and China under the strict oversight of Gibson. While the brand’s 1980s heritage is rooted in Neptune, New Jersey, today’s production balances high-performance features with affordable pricing through these overseas facilities.
How do I maintain tuning stability on a model with a Floyd Rose?
To keep your Kramer in perfect pitch, always ensure you stretch new strings thoroughly before locking the nut. It is also helpful to apply a small amount of specialized lubricant to the bridge pivot points (the “knives”) every few months to ensure the tremolo returns to its zero-point smoothly after a dive bomb.
Can I upgrade the pickups in my Kramer guitar?
Absolutely, as most Kramer guitars use standard-sized routing that is compatible with major aftermarket brands like Seymour Duncan or EMG. Upgrading the pickups is a popular way for players to customize their tone, and since many Kramers use a simple “volume-only” or “one humbucker” layout, the wiring process is often very straightforward.
What is the difference between the Original and Modern collections?
The Original Collection focuses on vintage-accurate reissues of the 1980s classics, featuring retro headstocks and era-specific hardware for the purist. The Modern Collection introduces contemporary features such as lighter body woods (like mahogany or basswood), asymmetrical neck profiles, and updated electronics for the technical needs of today’s shredders.