Hamer B12S Short Scale 12-String Basses

Transparent Cherry Hamer B12S 12-string bass owned by Howie Epstein (Tom Petty, Johnny Cash).

Hamer B12S Short Scale 12-String Basses

The B12S is the successor to the Hamer Quad bass with the same body style but without the quadraphonic electronics. It was first produced in 1978. As of 2001 it was officially discontinued and dropped from the Hamer catalog but was still in production on a special order basis. Early models had a single truss rod while later ones had the improved dual truss rod system. The neck is the short scale 30½" length.

There are a variety of different electronics configurations found on these basses, resulting in many different knob and switch configurations. The Transparent Cherry finish was the standard for the B12S, but the B12S is probably the Hamer model with the largest variety of different finishes.

Many B12S 12-string basses include the larger “Stadium” Hamer logo on the headstock. This was intended so that the company name would be more visible when prominent bassists played Hamer instruments.

1993 Transparent Green Hamer B12S 12-string bass.

1986 Yellow Hamer B12S 12-string bass with beveled edges.

An ad for the Hamer B12S described it this way:

“Words simply will not describe the B12S. It's powerful sound, and shimmering harmonics will bowl you over. This version, the original double cutaway design, has a 30.5 inch scale so it's easy to play. It's all maple construction enhances the extended top end, and utilizes twin low mass truss rods for extra stability. To accurately reproduce the amazing range of this instrument, a pair of EMG pickups are matched with the EXB active tone control. If you are looking for a unique sound to set you apart... this is it.”

1993 Silver Sparkle Hamer B12S 12-string bass.

1991 Iridescent Purple Hamer B12S 12-string bass.

2005 Natural Hamer B12S 12-string bass with body binding.

2006 White Hamer B12S 12-string bass similar to Rick Nielsen's White B12S that was built in 1978.

1987 Natural Hamer B12S 12-string bass, and 1992 Black Hamer B12S 12-string bass with factory custom logo for the band “Bogus Toms”. Both basses incorporate the larger “Stadium” logos.

Hamer B12S 12-string bass in the ‘59 Burst finish.

Black Hamer B12S 12-string bass with boomerang inlays.

1990 Transparent Cherry Hamer B12S 12-string bass with boomerang inlays.

1984 Hamer B12S 12-string bass - Black / White Checkerboard finish.

Burst finish Hamer B12S 12-string bass with “Stadium” logo.

1981 Teal Blue Hamer B12S 12-string bass.

Hamer B12S 12-string bass in the ‘59 Burst finish with bound body and “Stadium” logo.

1988 Natural Hamer B12S 12-string, painted over in Purple but the new finish is peeling off.

Ronn Robert’s Hamer B12S 12-string bass inscribed, “HI MY NAME IS RONN”.

Single pickup Burst Hamer B12S 12-string bass.

Hamer B12S Standard Features:

Distinctive Split "V" Headstock with Schaller Tuners, Lubritrak Nut
3-Piece Stressed Maple Neck with Fully Adjustable Twin Low Mass Truss Rods
Maple body, Quarter-Sawn East Indian Rosewood Fingerboard
21 Nickel Silver Hand Seated .050" x .116" Frets, 30 1/2" Scale
Two EMG Humbucking Pickups
Hamer Brass Bridge with 8 Individually Adjustable Saddles
Chrome Hardware

Hamer B12S 12-String Bass Reviews

by Ricardo M.

Transparent Amber Hamer B12S 12-string bass with stickers added.

Since Cheap Trick came out with the Budokan album I was stunned with the sound of the 12-string bass guitar, it sounded so big and full, it was something very different and new for me. Since I live on the island of Puerto Rico, instruments are hard to find and too expensive for outside orders, but after 22 years it finally came up thanks to the internet.

Besides the great look, the B12S has with the double cutaway body and is the size which is perfect for me. My fingers are long but my hands aren't big enough for handling the string tension that a 34" scale requires, causing pain if playing too long on the first five frets. Since the 30 1/2” scale tension is less, less effort has to be done.

It has a good balance using a strap, considering the weight that the tuning machines add. Even in a sitting position you can play without hand stress. You can fit a B12S in a standard bass case - great! Also the neck width is perfect and the string space lets you play with more security and confidence.

In conclusion, this one is the best for a start up and it came with the nice price. The size and weight for the B12S is cool and comfortable. Absolutely no regrets for this instrument.

Hamer B12S 12-string bass Review

by G.T.

The Hamer B12S is a 30 1/2" short scale bass guitar. This makes it very easy to play and maneuver compared to the other 12-string basses available. It's all maple construction makes for a very bright to mid range tone unique to this instrument. On its own it may sound a little too bright, but when playing with a band the B12S takes on the tone / presence it is known for, becoming more balanced. The twin low mass truss rods do a very good job of providing sufficient restraint to counteract the tension of the 12-string bass, requiring only periodic adjustments provided that you treat it with the proper care and respect. It has the classic Hamer double cutaway shape and is beautifully crafted. The flamed top and back truly reflects Hamer's high quality and craftsmanship.

The B12S is very heavy relative to it's compact size due to the all maple construction. Depending on your own preference, you may find the strings a little floppy due to the lower tension, a characteristic of the short scale. Whereas a long scale has a tighter feel, but it can be more difficult to play. The hard shell case provided by Hamer for the B12S is the same case the 34" long scale B12L is shipped in. This is a concern - without added padding the B12S bounces around in the case. I used the roll of foam Hamer shipped the B12S with, wrapped it in an old black T-shirt and placed it in the case just above the body to help keep my B12S stationary.