Kramer aluminum bass neck headstock
According to a former Kramer employee, another model, the TL-8 eight-string bass (which had four tuning pegs on the headstock and the extra four anchored to the end of the body), was experiencing production problems, and when he happened to chop off the wood “wings” of one, he noticed the Steinberger-like silhouette with the remaining body portion and strings attached to it behind the bridge. While inspired by the even more unique Steinberger bass, the Duke series happened somewhat accidentally. Fretboards were made of Ebonol, a substance similar to the material used in bowling balls. The aluminum necks had a slightly T-shaped profile, with wood inserts on the underside in an attempt to evoke a more natural feel. Kramer began producing its eye-catching aluminum-neck instruments in the mid 1970s, touting their resistance to neck warpage and other problems. If you think the headless, downsized Kramer Duke series was conceived and designed as a copy of the groundbreaking Steinberger bass, think again, because that’s not half of the story. Features were one humbucker and 1 vol, 1 tone each.
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The Duke guitar and bass began as The Duke Custom or Standard guitar and Duke Custom or Standard Bass depending on which Kramer literature is sited as accurate.
#Kramer aluminum bass neck headstock serial number#
Tuners were Schallers and the neck plates, along with the Kramer logo and serial number read “The Duke”. There was also a rubbery skid pad at the bottom to minimize slipping off your leg when playing sitting down.
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Comprised of a wood body and aluminum/wood neck, the Dukes were tuned at the butt or “swoop” of the instrument. Clearly Kramer’s answer to the then popular Steinberger, the Duke took on a slightly more awkward appearance then the Steinberger although maintaining the minimalist nod to it’s inspiration.
![kramer aluminum bass neck headstock kramer aluminum bass neck headstock](https://www.roadhousevintage.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IMG_5718-scaled.jpg)
It should be remembered that Kramer was very hip on what was happening in the guitar world at all times, hence, the debut of the Duke series in 1981.