Kramer 1984 by Gibson / Music Yo USA (Not 'The 84') Low Serial #52 Van Halen EVH 5150 Style Guitar!
New Price€1,420.52
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Fountain Hills, AZ, United States
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2000 Kramer 1984 Music Yo Reissue (Not 'The 84') =\//-/= Van Halen EVH 5150 Style Guitar =\//-/=
It's difficult to quantify the value of this particular guitar in comparison to other 1984s because that's partially up to you.
====================\//-/====================
Kramer 1984 Reissue Review | VintageKramer website
Mike Wolverton - May 1, 2003
Rating: 4.5 Bananas out of 5
Seldom these days is a guitar that truly shocks you and sends you back to a time you remember as a kid. Well, that’s what happened when I opened the case from Musicyo that contained the new 1984 Reissue. I was instantly reminded of what it was like back in the 80’s when I bought my first guitar. The white paint sparkled, the chrome Floyd Rose jumped out at me, and the headstock reminded me of a time when Van Halen released albums once every two years… And that’s just my first impression, that’s not even counting how it plays and sounds.
This guitar takes you back – it reminds you of when guitars and guitar players were legends. I can’t tell you how bored and tired I am of seeing today’s players pick up a Fender, Gibson, or PRS. While they are nice guitars, we had guitar “style” in the 80’s. We watched music videos to see which guitars our heroes were playing, in addition to the paint schemes and custom work they had done to them. We were as enamored with the guitar as we were with the guitar player – every kid on the street wanted to be Edward Van Halen, and wanted a Kramer that looked like his. So where is this going you ask? The 1984 reminds me of everything I love about guitars, guitar playing, and “in your face” rock and roll I loved as a kid.
I checked with Jim Rosenberg of Gibson Musical Instruments (owners of Kramer) about the origins of the guitar design. According to Jim, Mike Mojabi of Kramermaniaxe fame and Roland Hernandez of Rolsguitars both had a hand in the design of this guitar. Mike is the “godfather” of Kramer information. He was one of the first Kramer junkies to have a dedicated Kramer site on the web. Well, it was quite exciting to find out Mike and Rol had something to do with this guitar. Roland has always been a stickler for 5150 detail and Mike, well, he’s just Mike, he knows his Kramers. Jim informed me that Mike had sent Musicyo a neck made by Billy Connally, the man who was rumored to have constructed Edward Van Halen’s 5150. Mike also sent the “yo” guys a Pacer Special body, the same type body used on the infamous 5150. These two parts were the basis of what they started with.
The neck feels really chunky, the back shape fits in your hand perfectly. This is no thin-profile neck, its beefy, and it lets you know it. The back shape is similar to a Peavey Wolfgang, although not asymmetrical, and more of a true “C” shape. The radius is 12”, but not quite as “flat” as a Wolfgang. The neck is also unfinished and lightly oiled – my favorite. Heck, it even has the old walnut skunk stripe just like the 5150. The frets are medium jumbos, just like I like them. One really nice feature that you don’t see often on guitars is a one-piece neck. The fretboard is actually part of the neck; it’s not a laminate. The headstock is banana shaped, and although it is not made to the original “factory run” banana headstock design, it looks like Ed’s. Overall, the neck is one of the highlights of this guitar - it plays like a dream
The body looks identical to a Pacer Special. Originally, the 1984 body had a smaller “roundover” on the edges, and Musicyo corrected that at the request of Roland. Now, you would swear it was right off a Pacer from back in the day. The paint is immaculate too; I’m very impressed with the overall quality of the finish, even on the headstock. The body even sports the old truss-rod adjustment cut out, along with the original cannon input jack.
The Hardware is truly amazing. Finally, a guitar manufacturer that uses quality parts, at a reasonable price. The Original Floyd Rose trem is nearly identical to the ones used by Kramer in the 80’s, with the added upgrade of the collared tremolo bar insert and bushing fulcrum points in lieu of the old “screw type” posts. It’s also flush mounted to the body, which is what most die-hard Kramer nuts prefer. Edward Van Halen always stated that sustain and resonance were much better on flush mount tremolos, and I agree. The Schaller tuners are a nice added touch, and oh, did I mention, this is EXACTLY like the old 5150? Same parts, same body, and same neck - you are playing Edward’s guitar.
My only critique of the entire guitar is the pickup. It’s just a little too “mild” for me, but then again, I’m used to the Duncan Customs and Wolfgang/Ernie Ball stock pickups, which are very hot compared to the older Barettas. Its sound is really close to a Duncan JB, which was stock equipment on Barettas after 1984. It is mounted directly to the body, which is another plus in the eyes of Edward Van Halen worshipers.
The setup from the factory is really good as well. It “could” be a tad lower, but compared to any guitar sitting on the shelf at your local guitar shop, it is low. Sustain is unbelievable on this thing too, along with good pinch harmonics. The harmonics would probably scream if the pickup were a tad bit hotter, but that’s an easy fix after purchasing a 1984. When playing rhythms, the pickup is really “phat” and chunky - it has a really nice sound. It is just in the lead area where I find weakness, but that’s reserved to personal opinion, you make your own judgment.
In conclusion, if I had to suggest a guitar for an intermediate rock player, I would whole-heartedly suggest the 1984 – without a doubt. It looks good, it plays good, and it feels like an old friend when you pick it up. The quality of the neck and body, along with the quality hardware makes this guitar a steal at $699 (and it even includes a very nice TKL case). I challenge anyone to find a brand new guitar with an original Floyd Rose, Schallers, and unfinished neck for that price. To quote a certain, famous guitarist from an 80’s Kramer Ad – “Its quite simply the best guitar you can buy today”, with my added line of… “for the money.”
Hardware:
Hand-Built in the USA
Hard Case Included: TKL Pro-Form-II
- The Kramer 1984 reissue is completely based on Eddie Van Halen's iconic Kramer 5150 guitar that he used on the 1984 Tour.
- Manufactured by Kramer Guitars (distributed by Music Yo, an online division of Gibson Musical Instruments)
- Low Serial Number 200052 - It's one of the very first 1984s that were essentially prototypes and made in the USA (#52 in the year 2000)
- The guitar has had a professional setup
- Neck has a small shim so the action is now super low and a dream to play
- Great condition - played some, but not a lot
- There is a chip on the tip of the banana headstock (see pic)
- Frets are in excellent shape
- 84T pickup measures at 15.78K and sounds awesome
- This guitar was originally given to Mike Mojabi of Kramermaniaxe / VintageKramer as a gift from Gibson in 2000 for being one of the main contributors to the project.
- Mike had sent Gibson/Music Yo a guitar neck made by Billy Connally from the old Kramer custom shop (and the man who was rumored to have constructed Edward Van Halen’s 5150), along with a Pacer Special body.
- Gibson used Mike's parts to template the 1984s at their shop.
- Executives told him that the first 100 were made from prototype necks and bodies.
- This guitar is #52 out of the first 100 made in the USA.
- After the first 100, production went offshore but assembly remained in the USA.
Prior seller-provided screenshots of this conversation with Mike Mojabi:
Question: Seeing that you had a hand in building this where did the neck and body come from? Japan? Or Korea?
Mike’s Response: Interesting that you ask. I have no written documentation on this but,
when I was speaking with the MusicYo executives back in 1999/2000 timeframe, I
was told that the first 100 or so of these guitars were actually made here in
the US (not just assembled here) and the materials were sourced from both the
US and Canada. I am inclined to believe
this because I’ve heard from others who have owned low serial number 1984s that
there were inconsistencies in the body shape, neck feel, etc. I believe that’s because they were actually
using the various prototype bodies and necks that had been made in the Gibson
factory here in the US. As a whole,
however the materials are sourced from a variety of other countries including
Canada, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, etc. much like the Epiphone line has. Hope this information helps somewhat. Thanks.
====================\//-/====================
When I first acquired this guitar, my intention was to sand and repaint it as a 5150 tribute, but now I feel it’s just too special to do so. I have been a fan of the VintageKramer website for 20 years and clearly remember all the buzz when the 1984s came out, so I think it's pretty cool to have one of the first 52 made and actual guitars they were reviewing at the time.
It's difficult to quantify the value of this particular guitar in comparison to other 1984s because that's partially up to you.
====================\//-/====================
Kramer 1984 Reissue Review | VintageKramer website
Mike Wolverton - May 1, 2003
Rating: 4.5 Bananas out of 5
Seldom these days is a guitar that truly shocks you and sends you back to a time you remember as a kid. Well, that’s what happened when I opened the case from Musicyo that contained the new 1984 Reissue. I was instantly reminded of what it was like back in the 80’s when I bought my first guitar. The white paint sparkled, the chrome Floyd Rose jumped out at me, and the headstock reminded me of a time when Van Halen released albums once every two years… And that’s just my first impression, that’s not even counting how it plays and sounds.
This guitar takes you back – it reminds you of when guitars and guitar players were legends. I can’t tell you how bored and tired I am of seeing today’s players pick up a Fender, Gibson, or PRS. While they are nice guitars, we had guitar “style” in the 80’s. We watched music videos to see which guitars our heroes were playing, in addition to the paint schemes and custom work they had done to them. We were as enamored with the guitar as we were with the guitar player – every kid on the street wanted to be Edward Van Halen, and wanted a Kramer that looked like his. So where is this going you ask? The 1984 reminds me of everything I love about guitars, guitar playing, and “in your face” rock and roll I loved as a kid.
I checked with Jim Rosenberg of Gibson Musical Instruments (owners of Kramer) about the origins of the guitar design. According to Jim, Mike Mojabi of Kramermaniaxe fame and Roland Hernandez of Rolsguitars both had a hand in the design of this guitar. Mike is the “godfather” of Kramer information. He was one of the first Kramer junkies to have a dedicated Kramer site on the web. Well, it was quite exciting to find out Mike and Rol had something to do with this guitar. Roland has always been a stickler for 5150 detail and Mike, well, he’s just Mike, he knows his Kramers. Jim informed me that Mike had sent Musicyo a neck made by Billy Connally, the man who was rumored to have constructed Edward Van Halen’s 5150. Mike also sent the “yo” guys a Pacer Special body, the same type body used on the infamous 5150. These two parts were the basis of what they started with.
The neck feels really chunky, the back shape fits in your hand perfectly. This is no thin-profile neck, its beefy, and it lets you know it. The back shape is similar to a Peavey Wolfgang, although not asymmetrical, and more of a true “C” shape. The radius is 12”, but not quite as “flat” as a Wolfgang. The neck is also unfinished and lightly oiled – my favorite. Heck, it even has the old walnut skunk stripe just like the 5150. The frets are medium jumbos, just like I like them. One really nice feature that you don’t see often on guitars is a one-piece neck. The fretboard is actually part of the neck; it’s not a laminate. The headstock is banana shaped, and although it is not made to the original “factory run” banana headstock design, it looks like Ed’s. Overall, the neck is one of the highlights of this guitar - it plays like a dream
The body looks identical to a Pacer Special. Originally, the 1984 body had a smaller “roundover” on the edges, and Musicyo corrected that at the request of Roland. Now, you would swear it was right off a Pacer from back in the day. The paint is immaculate too; I’m very impressed with the overall quality of the finish, even on the headstock. The body even sports the old truss-rod adjustment cut out, along with the original cannon input jack.
The Hardware is truly amazing. Finally, a guitar manufacturer that uses quality parts, at a reasonable price. The Original Floyd Rose trem is nearly identical to the ones used by Kramer in the 80’s, with the added upgrade of the collared tremolo bar insert and bushing fulcrum points in lieu of the old “screw type” posts. It’s also flush mounted to the body, which is what most die-hard Kramer nuts prefer. Edward Van Halen always stated that sustain and resonance were much better on flush mount tremolos, and I agree. The Schaller tuners are a nice added touch, and oh, did I mention, this is EXACTLY like the old 5150? Same parts, same body, and same neck - you are playing Edward’s guitar.
My only critique of the entire guitar is the pickup. It’s just a little too “mild” for me, but then again, I’m used to the Duncan Customs and Wolfgang/Ernie Ball stock pickups, which are very hot compared to the older Barettas. Its sound is really close to a Duncan JB, which was stock equipment on Barettas after 1984. It is mounted directly to the body, which is another plus in the eyes of Edward Van Halen worshipers.
The setup from the factory is really good as well. It “could” be a tad lower, but compared to any guitar sitting on the shelf at your local guitar shop, it is low. Sustain is unbelievable on this thing too, along with good pinch harmonics. The harmonics would probably scream if the pickup were a tad bit hotter, but that’s an easy fix after purchasing a 1984. When playing rhythms, the pickup is really “phat” and chunky - it has a really nice sound. It is just in the lead area where I find weakness, but that’s reserved to personal opinion, you make your own judgment.
In conclusion, if I had to suggest a guitar for an intermediate rock player, I would whole-heartedly suggest the 1984 – without a doubt. It looks good, it plays good, and it feels like an old friend when you pick it up. The quality of the neck and body, along with the quality hardware makes this guitar a steal at $699 (and it even includes a very nice TKL case). I challenge anyone to find a brand new guitar with an original Floyd Rose, Schallers, and unfinished neck for that price. To quote a certain, famous guitarist from an 80’s Kramer Ad – “Its quite simply the best guitar you can buy today”, with my added line of… “for the money.”
SPECIFICATIONS:
Color Options: Red, White, Black and Sealer Coat (To allow you to paint the guitar yourself!)
Neck: One-piece Hard Maple with integrated Hard Maple fingerboard
- Neck Width: 1.65" at Nut | 2.06" at 12th Fret
- Scale: 25.5”
- Neck Finish: Light Oil
- Fingerboard Radius: 12"
- Frets: Silver (18% Nickel/Silver Content)
- (0.050mm wide x 1.40mm high)
- Machine Heads: Schaller M6L, Chrome
- Truss Rod: Single Action, Adjustable at Body
- Skunk Stripe: Walnut
Hardware:
- Strap Locks: Schaller #446 Chrome
- Tremolo: FRT-100 Original Floyd Rose Double-Locking Made in Germany – Schaller
- Wrench Holder: Schaller #233K Chrome
- Nut: Neck-Through, R2 Made in Germany – Schaller
- Mounted directly to the body
- Wire Gauge: 44 AWB
- Turns: 6800
- Magnet: Alnico-V
- Resistance @ DC = 16.34Kohms
- Resonant Freq. = 5.2Kohms
- Inductance @ 1KHz = 8.3H
- Potentiometer: CGE 500K Log (Audio Taper)
- Output Jack: Switchcraft #151
Hand-Built in the USA
Hard Case Included: TKL Pro-Form-II
This item is sold As-Described
This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.Learn More.
| Listed | 6 years ago |
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| Condition | Very Good (Used) Very Good items may show a few slight marks or scratches but are fully functional and in overall great shape.Learn more |
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