Kramer
Since 1976
Kramer Guitars was founded in 1976 in Neptune, New Jersey, by Dennis Berardi, Gary Kramer, Peter LaPlaca, and Henry Vaccaro. Starting with innovative aluminum-necked guitars, Kramer pivoted to wooden-necked superstrats in the early 1980s and became the best-selling guitar brand in America by the mid-1980s—outselling Fender and Gibson at the peak of the hair metal era. The Baretta (1983), with its single-humbucker-plus-Floyd-Rose formula, became iconic. Eddie Van Halen played Kramers before launching his own brand. After bankruptcy in 1990, Gibson acquired the brand in 1997. Today Kramer produces modern versions of its classic 80s designs, and original American-made Kramers are increasingly collectible.
50
Years in Business
2M+
Guitars Sold
$15M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Kramer Guitar Guide
Comprehensive buying guide, price analysis, model comparisons, and expert insights to help you understand everything about Kramer guitars.
Kramer Price Overview
Kramer covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$480
+6% vs last year
eBay Listings
900
Active listings
Sold This Month
200
+5% vs last month
Price Range
$100-$5,000
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Kramer Timeline
Kramer Founded
Founded in Neptune, New Jersey. Initial production focused on innovative aluminum-necked guitars with wooden inserts.
Wooden Neck Transition
Transitioned from aluminum to wooden necks, targeting the emerging hard rock and metal market.
Baretta Debuts
Introduced the Baretta—single humbucker, Floyd Rose tremolo, maple body. The formula that defined 80s metal guitar.
Eddie Van Halen Partnership
Eddie Van Halen played Kramer guitars extensively, giving the brand unparalleled endorsement in the shred guitar world.
#1 American Guitar Brand
Became the best-selling guitar brand in America, outselling both Fender and Gibson at the peak of the hair metal era.
Spector Acquisition
Acquired Spector bass guitars, expanding into the professional bass market.
Bankruptcy
Filed for bankruptcy as the hair metal era faded and grunge reshaped guitar culture. Production ceased.
Gibson Acquires Brand
Gibson Musical Instruments purchased the Kramer brand name and began producing Gibson-owned Kramer models.
Modern Revival
Gibson relaunched Kramer with a comprehensive lineup of modern versions of classic 80s designs.
Crafted in Japan Series
Released the Crafted in Japan 1983 Baretta Reissue—a painstaking tribute to the original with vintage-correct specs.
Complete Kramer Product Lineup
Kramer: the guitar that outsold Fender and Gibson in the 1980s—born to rock hard
Original Series (Current)
Modern Gibson-era production models
Single HB + Floyd at ~$399-$499
HSS superstrat at ~$399-$499
Budget model at ~$249-$349
Explorer-style at ~$399
Crafted in Japan
Premium vintage-spec reissues
MIJ vintage spec at ~$1,499-$1,799
MIJ superstrat at ~$1,499
Vintage USA (1976-1990)
Original American-made collectibles
Original at ~$800-$3,000+
Superstrat at ~$600-$2,000
Alumi-neck at ~$500-$2,500
Budget USA at ~$300-$800
Budget Import
Entry-level import models
Budget Baretta at ~$199-$249
Modern metal at ~$249-$349
Other shapes at ~$199-$299
"Kramer: the guitar that outsold Fender and Gibson in the 1980s—born to rock hard"
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
Vintage USA Kramer Guide
80s Metal Time Capsule
Original USA Kramers from 1983-1990 are time capsules of the hair metal era. A genuine USA Baretta at $800-$3,000 is the real deal—Floyd Rose, Seymour Duncan, Neptune NJ craftsmanship
Eddie Van Halen Premium
Any Kramer associated with Eddie Van Halen commands premiums. The 5150 stripe pattern, specific model years, and EVH-documented examples drive prices up 50-200% over standard models
Aluminum Neck Curiosity
Pre-1981 aluminum-neck Kramers are curiosities—unique feel, different tone. At $500-$2,500, they're acquired by collectors more than players. The wooden-insert aluminum necks are fragile
Modern Kramer Guide
Affordable 80s Style
Modern Kramers at $249-$499 deliver the 80s aesthetic—pointy headstock, Floyd Rose, hot pickups—at budget prices. Gibson's manufacturing ensures consistent quality
Japan Reissue Premium
The Crafted in Japan Baretta Reissue at $1,499-$1,799 is the closest to an original USA Baretta without the collectible premium. MIJ quality, vintage-correct specs, and a hardshell case
Floyd Rose Maintenance
Every Kramer worth its salt has a Floyd Rose. If you're new to Floyd Rose systems, budget for a professional setup ($50-$100) and learn string-changing procedures
Used Kramer Buying Guide
Identify the Era
USA Neptune (1976-1990): collectible. Gibson-era (1997+): modern production. The difference is worth $500-$2,000+. Serial numbers and headstock logos tell the story
Floyd Rose Condition
Check the Floyd Rose knife edges, post studs, and locking nut. Worn knife edges cause tuning issues that are expensive to fix. Original Floyd Rose units are worth more than licensed versions
Neck Pocket Check
Kramer bolt-on necks should fit snugly with no gaps. Check for shims or loose fits. The neck pocket is the most critical quality indicator on any bolt-on Kramer