Hamer Chaparral CH-12 12-String Basses

Hamer CH-12 12-String Basses

The Hamer CH-12 Chaparral 12-string bass was introduced in the summer of 2000. Cosmetically it is identical to the Hamer USA model B12L but the features and construction have been trimmed to reflect its lower cost. The CH-12 sold new at retail for about 30% of the B12L. Originally the CH-12 was made in Korea but production was subsequently moved to China and then Indonesia. The Korean basses are generally accepted to be the best quality CH-12's.

Like their B12L counterparts, the best selling color for the CH-12 basses was Black. In addition to Black, the White Pearl finish was also available on the Korean basses, but all Chinese and Indonesian CH-12's are black.

The White Pearl finish on the Korea CH-12’s has a cream-colored cast, it is not a true white color.

Although both the B12L and CH-12 have stereo output jacks, that does not mean that they have a stereo output. When correctly wired, the ring of the stereo jack serves as a battery disconnect for the active electronics. Plugging your cord into the jack turns the active electronics on, and removing the cord disconnects the electronics and preserves the life of the battery. So the jack is stereo but the output is mono.

The first shipment of Korean Hamer CH-12 basses was shipped with incorrect mono output jacks. These jacks cause the batteries to become completely drained within a very short time. Check here for instructions on how to correct this problem.

Specifications

Korean CH-12 Features:

• Mahogany Body

• Glue-In Set Maple Neck with dual Truss rods

• Custom 12-string 8-saddle bridge Custom Tailpiece

• Long Scale 34" Length

• Two Humbucking pickups

• Active Bass and Treble pots, Volume and Pan Controls

• Split “V” Headstock

• Rosewood Fingerboard, Mother of Pearl dot inlays

• Chrome Tuners Produced in Gloss Black and White Pearl Finishes

Chinese / Indonesian CH-12XT Features:

• Basswood Body

• Available in Gloss Black Finish Only

• Other features similar to the Korean basses

Korean Hamer CH-12 Reviews

by Kevin Macza

Recently I had the opportunity to check out the new CH-12 Hamer import-model 12-string bass. For background information, I have owned a USA-made Hamer B12L Chaparral 12-string for five years, the model upon which the CH-12 is patterned. When I picked up the CH-12 it felt very familiar to me, very much like the B12L. This isn't too surprising since the Korean import Hamer bass is essentially a cheaper copy of the American model.

The first thing I noticed about the CH-12 was that it was particularly heavy, about 12 pounds by my guess (my B12L is less than 10 pounds). According to the literature, the CH-12 body is supposed to be made of mahogany like the USA model but this particular bass must have been built using a rather dense piece of wood. Due to the heavy body, I didn't notice as much neck dive as on my B12L but I could see it becoming tiring to play over a whole night. Other reviewers have stated that their CH-12’s have light bodies so the instrument I tried may have been an exception.

The fingerboard wood looked darker and less rich in grain and color than the fingerboard on my B12L, and while the CH-12 neck felt similar in dimensions to the USA-made model, I think it may have been slightly thicker from front to back. The overall fit and finish of the instrument did not show any obvious flaws in construction. The hardware used for the bridge and tailpiece appeared similar to the B12L, but with different adjustment screws used on the bridge. In addition, I noticed that the action was much, much higher than I have set up on my B12L. From sighting the neck, it appeared that the truss rods could use some tweaking to alleviate the excess bow in the neck and bring the action down to a playable level. I didn't notice any warping, just too much bow. Coming from a humid country overseas to drier Canada would explain why it needed a neck adjustment.

Hamer has used generic, passive humbucking pickups in the import instead of the active EMG DC’s used in the B12L. Plugging into an Eden WT-400 and D-410XLT cabinet, I found that tone to be quite good with clear, ringing harmonics. The CH-12's active electronics worked well and were wired in the same configuration as the B12L with master volume, blend, bass, and treble controls. To my ears, the sound of the CH-12 might be described as a little thin in the bass department when used without EQ. However, without having a stock EMG-equipped B12L handy to compare with, I would be hard pressed to describe the difference in sound. I didn't notice any unacceptable noise in the form of hum or hiss from the electronics.

My biggest complaint is in the set-up department. This instrument wasn't even close to being in tune as I played up the neck. On a normal bass this is a problem, but on a 12-string bass, it's a nightmare! I'd definitely suggest getting a luthier or tech to properly set up your bass if you plan on buying a Hamer CH-12.

While I would expect the USA Hamer models to display better materials, quality control, and set-up from the factory, the Korean-made CH-12 makes a fine first 12-string bass, though it may be an instrument that may require some additional set up work at the store before taking it home. For a street price of $831 Canadian ($530 US), you get an instrument that gives that unique 12-string bass sound on a working man's budget. For those interested, the Dean Rhapsody 12 also offers great value, but in an instrument that differs significantly in design, with a wider neck and string spacing (which works better for fingerstyle playing), and a unique body design. As to which instrument is better, I would suggest trying both to make up your own mind.

by Chris T.

I've wanted a 12-string bass ever since I heard "Jeremy" from Pearl Jam, but unfortunately they go for US $1800-2300 new. As soon as I found out that Hamer was producing an import version of their Chaparral B12L, I ordered one. The Hamer import versions are very nice guitars, just with slightly cheaper materials.

For starters, I am amazed at how small the thing is - very small body, not much bigger than my Specter NS2. It's also very light. The finish was perfect and the frets are all evenly set. Overall, the craftsmanship was excellent. I definitely do not consider this a ‘cheap import version’.

The bass takes a little getting used to - it's not one of those instruments that immediately feels comfortable. The first position on the E strings can actually be rather tiring, as it puts a lot of strain on your wrist, but with some practice and stretching, it eases over time. One word of warning - there is an interview with the guitar tech from Pearl Jam that I have seen on several websites which erroneously states that the harmony strings are tuned two octaves above the fundamental string - they are only one octave up. You will snap your strings if you try this.

The pickups are not EMG's like the USA model but the sound is still huge and the harmonics are amazing. The whole thrill of playing the 12-string is the wall of sound that you get. This is definitely not a bass for everyone and can be overpowering if you use too much treble, but it's worth all of the troubles.

By F.F.

Shipping: My 12-string bass arrived in a cardboard box that I thought was pretty flimsy. Even though I paid for a case, the guitar and case did not arrive at the same time. On arrival, a tag inside the box said that the guitar had been set up, which was not the case. The tech adjusted the truss rod and set the intonation before letting me take it home.

Appearance: The CH-12 is the Korean version of Hamer’s B12L. The black finish is nearly perfect except for a small spot where the neck meets the body. There’s some kind of flaw that you can only see when the light hits it right.

Hardware: I believe the tuners on my bass are Gotoh. I thought that Gotoh tuners were a brand name tuner. It seems that they are a little on the cheesy side though. The posts have some play in them that I’m not accustomed to (my two other basses have Steinberger and Schaller tuners). I’m going to change them when I’m able.

The bridge system is the standard Hamer 12-string bridge. I guess it would be better if the octave strings were in individual saddles, but I understand why they designed it the way they did.

Playability: The string spacing is really something I have to get used to. Unlike some of the other 12’s I’ve seen pictured, there’s not a lot of room between string groups. The action is low. The CH-12 really does play easily. Building up finger strength will make it even easier to play.

Electronics: The CH-12 comes with active EMG pick-ups. The EMG’s produce a really bright sound. I’m still experimenting on my sound but it seems that I’m constantly trying to get just a little more bass tone out of the instrument. The EMG’s also seem to be a little noisy, which seems to be the case with all active circuitry in my experience. I think I would prefer passive pick-ups or a switch that would allow you turn off the active mode. The knob configuration is OK, though I prefer the three knob configuration (two volumes and one tone).

The battery in my Hohner bass has it’s own compartment. I wish this were the case with the CH-12. The battery is housed in the cavity with the pots which means unscrewing the plate and trying to get the battery in / out without screwing up the wires inside. It’s quite a tight fit. Maybe Hamer did not want to cut the wood anymore than they would have to. I don’t know.

Overall: The electronics could be configured better. Hamer could use a little more quality control on their MIK’s. Do you know what? I DON’T CARE!!! I love my 12-string! If you had an opportunity to be with Cindy Crawford or Janet Jackson, would you pass them up just because they farted? I think not! It’s been my dream to play a 12 and after many years of waiting, I’ve got the chance to live out a dream. The whole buying process has been a learning experience. I know for sure that my next 12 will be American made. I think the CH-12 is a good 12 to start with because of the affordability.

Chinese Hamer CH-12 Review