Johnny Ramone’s personally-owned and -used white Hamer electric guitar custom-made in May 1980 by Hamer founder Jol Dantzig, based on the company’s ‘Special’ model with modifications per Ramone’s requests and specifications. The guitar is stamped on the reverse of the headstock with its special serial number, “X X0#¢,” and is accompanied by a copy of the Hamer manufacturer’s log book entry stamped with the identical serial number, noting that it is a custom piece for Johnny Ramone to be white with beveled edges, a thin neck, and thin body. The primary modifications from a stock version of the guitar were made to reduce weight and offer more comfort, including a thinner sculpted body, thinner neck, and aluminum bridge. It was finished in a bright white lacquer which has slightly yellowed over time. Includes the original hardshell case. In fine condition, with aforementioned mild toning to finish, as well as some crazing and cracks to the lacquer. Oversized.
Accompanied by letters of provenance from longtime Ramones tour manager Monte A. Melnick, Johnny Ramone’s guitar technician Matt Loyla, Ramones crew member and tour assistant Warren Cohen, Ramones photographer and gear expert Ian Harper, and a copy of a letter of provenance from Hamer Guitar founder Jol Dantzig, in part: “I am a guitar builder, designer, and also a founder of the Hamer Guitar company. I approached Johnny Ramone about constructing custom instruments for him beginning in 1978…After working out some details with Johnny, the first instrument was delivered later that year, but Johnny wanted a few changes on the next one so I agreed to meet with him at a concert venue near Chicago to develop a second version. The resulting instrument Hamer serial No. X X0#¢ was completed in May of 1980…Johnny was sufficiently pleased as to allow Hamer to feature his endorsement and photo with the guitar for print magazine advertisements.” Also includes a copy of Trouser Press magazine from June 1982, featuring an image of Ramone playing this guitar in a Hamer advertisement inside, as well as a photo of him playing it on stage. Johnny Ramone can also be seen playing this white Hamer in their video for Psychotherapy. This guitar has never been offered for sale before, and is just one of only three known stage-used pieces of Ramones gear from before 1983. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from Chris Lamy, close friend of The Ramones and guitarist of The Jabbers, formerly GG Allin & The Jabbers. The Chris Lamy Collection.
