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KRAMER
MODEL INFORMATION & FINISHES
Aluminum Neck Models : The first solid body guitars offered in 1975 featured aluminum necks with the open or prong V-shape. This is the first identifying clue in comparing a Travis Bean versus a Kramer, as all Travis Bean models have a closed top (which forms a enclosed 'T'). The first Kramer models featured original body designs and two Kramer pickups (they have Kramer on the pickup covers). In 1978 the DMZ Custom series offered DiMarzio pickups. Wood Neck Models : By 1982, the aluminum neck construction was phased out for a more conventional wood neck/wood body guitars. All high end Kramer USA and Custom models were produced in America. The Focus series of guitars (1985-1989) were built in Japan. Striker series and AeroStar series (also 1985- 1989) were built in Korea. When Kramer switched over to the more conventional wood neck/wood body guitars, the Natural finishes that they were using were phased out in favor of new solid finishes (these colors may also be found on the later aluminum neck models as well): Arctic White, Aztec Rust, Electric Yellow, Flame Red, Midnight Black, Pacific Blue, Slate Blue, and Sundance Orange finishes.