Description
Roadhouse USA location:
American Showster (Kramer) SS XLM-III Pearl White with metal body wing.
Here is a rarity.
These guitars started out being made for Kramer and were continued VERY briefly after the demise of Kramer in the late 80’s.
This particular one is a XLM-III in pearl white with the metal body wing on the outside of the guitar as pictured. Most of these models had the metal added to the body where it was not visible, on the inside.
In addition, according to the neck-plate, this model appears to have been some special issue for GC. (see pic)
I have never seen this exact model before and it is a super cool piece of vintage Kramer history.
Guitar is in excellent vintage condition, showing a couple of very small clear coat dings and thats about it. It doesnt appear to have been plated much at all, as there is no fret wear and the neck is excellent. This guitar was collector owned for many years prior to it coming to Roadhouse Vintage.
It appears to be all original with the exception (I’m guessing) of the pickup ring on the humbucker, which is of course easily replaceable if you so desire. The Floyd is in superb shape as well.
I have it pictured with an oddball case, but will include a nicer, tweed style hard case when it ships.
If you are a collector of 80’s Kramers or 80’s guitars in general, this is one you want. Good luck trying to find another, so grab this beauty while you can!
From Vintage Kramer:
The Metalist came in three forms- I, II and III. The differences were in the pickup configurations. All featured an internal metal plate with a chrome rim on the lower bout. The Metalist I had a single hum with volume and tone, the Metalist II had one hum and a neck single coil, volume, tone and a three way select. The Metalist III sported the HSS config with o0ne volume, two tones, five-way select and coil tap switch.
Next was the Metalist XML which was basically the same as the Metalist but with a black metal wing on the lower bout. This also came in three versions-XML I, XML II and XML III. Distinguishing features were again the pickup configuration which was the same as the Metalists.
Last was the Savant. Unlike the other Showsters, the Savant’s metal load was completely internal and showed no trace on the outside of the body. There was the Savant I, Savant II, and Savant III. each the same pickup configuration as the other Showsters.
The Metalist I, Metalist XML I and Savant I all with the single humbucker layout did not last long before they were replaced with the 1+1(Metalist 1+1, Metalist XML 1+1 and Savant 1+1) which added a middle position humbucker and three-way select. (No neck pickup). This model later sproted coil taps also.
| Mid 1989 saw the entire Metalist XML line dropped. Colors for the Showsters were black, white, candy red and candy blue. Prices were between $799.95 and $939.95 list depending on the model and cases were extra.
Note: Most of the Showster models will have the common black faced pointy droopy headstock with the Showster S/S logo. Also bear in mind that the total number of Showsters that made it out the door is unknown. Some speculate that certain MODELS never went out but It should be noted that, in all probability, not many Showsters did see the light of day before the demise of Kramer. The Showster line continued even after the demise of Kramer under their own name. From time to time, you will see some non-Kramer Showsters tthat look identical to the Kramers (minus the Kramer logo) for sale (as seen in the ad to the right). |
