Hamer “Miller Music” 1985

The Miller Music was built in 1985 as part of Hamer’s collaboration with Miller Beer to supply stage guitars for Miller-sponsored bands. The first run featured a red transparent top over figured maple with a metallic-gold back and a large Miller Music graphic.

Hardware followed Hamer’s standard spec of the period: two Hamer humbuckers, a Sustain-Block bridge, one volume, one tone, and a 3-way selector. Early examples like this one used a 3-a-side headstock; later examples moved to a 6-in-line.

Total production of the red/gold Miller Music is commonly estimated at around one hundred pieces, so this is a seriously rare guitar, all original, and in good condition.

Typical 1980s Hamer nitro shows light lacquer checking. There is a finish mark on the back from a removed sticker. Includes a newer case. Epic 80’s coolness factor included in purchase price!

SPECIFICATIONS

• Year: 1985. Origin: Hamer USA, Arlington Heights, Illinois
• Construction: set neck, 22 frets. Headstock variants include 3-a-side and later 6-in-line
• Body: mahogany back with carved flamed maple top. Red transparent top, metallic-gold back, painted white border
• Neck: mahogany. Rosewood fingerboard, dot inlays, 24.75″ scale, approx. 1 11/16″ nut width
• Pickups: two Hamer humbuckers. Controls: 1 volume, 1 tone, 3-way toggle
• Bridge: Hamer Sustain-Block fixed bridge with through-body stringing
• Hardware: chrome. Hamer tuners appropriate to period
• Finish and graphics: “Miller Music” front graphic with small registered mark on logo
• Model history notes: built for Miller-sponsored bands in 1985. Approx. 100 red/gold Miller Music instruments before the 1987 redesign to the Miller Genuine Draft style
• Condition on this example: light lacquer checking. Finish shadow from removed sticker on back. All original parts. Includes newer case