Hamer Cruise 4

My Cruise is a four-string, made-in-Korea sunburst model. If you're familiar with a Jazz Bass, as most of us are, then the Cruise doesn't need much of an introduction.

I have no complaints about this bass, other than the hiss that's part of the Jazz Bass genre. It is simply the best bass I've ever owned, and I'll keep it until I'm too feeble to play. My only concern is the single-coil buzz, which gets fairly extreme when each pickup is soloed. The bridge-only sound is my favourite - extremely punchy and tight and the sound that I associate with a good Jazz Bass.
Just as good is the overall feel of the bass, which is faster and lighter than the last Jazz Bass I played.

For the price, the Cruise is certainly well-constructed. There are no discernable flaws in the fit or finish, with the exception of slightly wobbly knobs. The bass was in as-new condition when I bought it (complete with the plastic film still on the pickguard, which I haven't removed yet). Yet the pots were quite scratchy, which is not something that I expected. I've lubed the pots, but there's still a good deal of noise. I suspect that a new set of pickups and pots would help, but since I'm happy with everything else I can live with the buzz.

I would have no qualms about playing this bass live. At the moment, I seem to have trouble finding people to play with (my ability, perhaps?) other than a song circle. In that context, reliability isn't an issue. If this keeps up, the plastic will still be on the pickguard when I keel over. I see no reason why it wouldn't withstand live gigs.

I did contact Hamer to find out about a fretless neck. It would make a nice pseudo-Jaco platform. They were reasonably good about getting back to me. This isn't an example of real customer support, but at least it's a sign that their customer service department reads their email.

I've been playing for 25 years off and on. In that time I've only owned four basses, so getting the Hamer was a Big Deal in my books. The price was unbeatable, even after exchange and shipping. EBay is a risky way to buy instruments, but in this case it worked.
My current setup includes a Gallien-Kreuger head, a couple of cheap guitars, and a SansAmp - which, by the way, works very well as a bass pre-amp for computer based recording.
I'm not sure that I would change much about the Cruise. I am tempted to change the pickups and pots, but at this moment in time I may just leave well enough alone. The feel and sound of the Hamer are top-notch. My only experience playing a Jazz was one night subbing for another bassist who owned an early 70's model, which was a pig compared to the Cruise. Newer Jazzes may be different, but for my purposes the Cruise is spot-on.

Korean made jazz style four string bass. Sunburst finish body
with maple&rosewood neck. 34" scale. Nice cast bridge.
Boomerang shaped tobacco pickguard is a nice distincive feature.
Nice contour on body keeps your wrist from rubing against an
uncomfortable edge. Basic can't-go-wrong design.

Can't believe it sounds so good. Sounds better than my
Fender Jazz bass. Don't know if it is something in the
pickups or what, but it has a fuller range and is very
warm. The cruise surpassed any expectations I ever had
for it.

The set up and finish were excellent, but the bridge was missing
the two inner screws even though it had been drilled for them.
The shop I bought it at also does repairs, so the fixed it free.
The guy said he was surprised because Hamer normally has incredible
quality control... I still have to dock them for the 2 screw oversite.

Built well, looks like good wood stock and hardware.
I have my Fender Jazz as a backup, but won't bother
taking it for local shows... shouldn't need it.

No idea.

I'm blown away by this bass. Don't know if I could find a
better jazz style bass. It is just as expensive as a Fender
Standard Jazz and is worth it, but I imagine a lot of people
would opt for the Fender. Love the look, the tone, body contour,
and the fact that it is a pound or two lighter than a Fender.