Kramer Guitars

Kramer Guitars is an iconic American brand that rose to global prominence during the 1980s, becoming synonymous with the heavy metal and hard rock movements. Founded by Dennis Berardi and Gary Kramer in the mid-1970s, the company gained fame for its innovative use of aluminum-neck guitars and later through its association with legendary guitarists like Eddie Van Halen. During its peak years, Kramer became one of the world's best-selling guitar brands, defined by 'superstrat' designs and high-performance hardware.

While the brand's roots are firmly planted in Neptune, New Jersey, manufacturing has shifted significantly over the decades. In its heyday, high-end components were often sourced from Japan (ESP) and assembled in the USA. Today, under the stewardship of the Gibson Brands family, Kramer products are manufactured in multiple international locations including Indonesia, China, and South Korea, with some high-end artist models and limited runs seeing production or assembly in the United States.

Ownership of the Kramer brand has transitioned from its original founders to Gibson Brands, Inc., which acquired the name in the late 1990s. This acquisition revitalized the brand, positioning it as a specialized shred-focused alternative to Gibson's traditional catalog. Gibson continues to own and operate Kramer as a key subsidiary, ensuring the legacy of high-performance rock instruments continues into the future.