Sounds bad. man. Tell ya what, just send it to me, and I'll take that burden off of you. I'm here for ya!

I recently picked up one of these bad boys. The body and neck were impeccable, but the hardware was bargain basement. I kinda knew this going in, so I was prepared to do some upgrades. Probably doubled the price, but now it is a killer.

The moment i watched this video, i ran to check where my baretta special was made, and was so relieved it was made Indonesia.

I sold one of my Indonesian Baretta specials and was thinking of getting rid of one more but now that I know there is a difference, I will hold onto them. Thank you for the heads up!

Great sounding jam!

A little while ago i found that a local music shop started carrying Kramer guitars and I finally got my chance to go try some of them, I had always wanted a kramer and now I could check out these new models in person. I tried a baretta, I think it is like the one you've got there. I didn't love it...but I did reach for an even cheaper Kramer model and after playing a few of those I found one that played especially well. It's a Kramer Focus VT211S. H S S pickup config, mahogany body, maple fretboard. It has the internal cavity and a pickguard which makes it significantly lighter. I really liked the actual guitar, but not so much the pickups, specifically it's bridge humbucker. I bought the guitar 129.99$, a Seymour Duncan JB humbucker and a short post speed volume pot for it. I really like it and imo it's a viable alternative to the baretta and a great guitar to use as a base for modifications. Here's me playing it kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jK19jc9l19O6nn0.html

Just picked up an Indonesian Baretta Special in “Vintage White” after over 20 years without an electric guitar in the house, and I’m loving it. Sad to hear that the current ones aren’t as nice, but it makes me appreciate the one I have even more 🙏🏻 Thanks for this great follow-up video 👍🏻

I got one set it up and I absolutely love it Want to get another one, but I’m gonna get me a Kramer striker next.

How can you tell where it's made, mine has only the passed qc inspection sticker and it doesn't say on the box either?Mine is the pink one if that makes any difference.

I have a question sorry but it's not about the guitar that you played today by the way I always love your solos I wondered if you know if a Fender Stratocaster pickguard would fit on a Squier standard Stratocaster guitar you've done so many mods I thought maybe you might know if Fender pickguard will fit on Squier guitars

Got myself one too ( indonesia ) ... After my set up , I was floored how much I love it. I haven't felt this compelled to play guitar this much is so long. I wish it had more sustain but until I upgrade the bridge I'll use a compressor. Maybe I lucked in on the weight , but as a bass player this baby is feather light :D rock on !

great jam at the end man \m/

well my latest purchase I'm not sure if it is the setup or I don't have the right equipment but the LTD EC10 I'm having issues being able to Tap not sure if it has to do with the strings needing lowered. Or I need hotter pick ups.

I just bought a black one from Sweetwater for 179 and it was made in Indonesia. I loved the sound but I could not turn the thing. Instead of keeping it and fixing it I just returned it. When it was in tune it sounded dope. The pickup is awesome. Really raw and gnarly. Sounded better than my JB pickup in my Jackson Dinky Pro. Sweetwater said they could send me another one but the tuning was so bad. The saddles were raised all the way up. Looked wonky as fuck. Oh well. What did you guys that love it do to keep it in tune?

Would you buy a vintage 80s Kramer striker or focus and do a shoot out with this modern kramer?

Wow men Super guitar, You really play it so good!!

The sound of 6:38 thru 6:45 sounds so good, great idea!

I have the Baretta Special the Focus VT-211S and the Pacer. My favorite of the bunch is the Focus, I modded the hell out of it, so that's why it's my favorite. I haven't had the pacer long, so I haven't modded it yet, but I have a feeling when done it's going to be in my rotation of main guitars. It's such a fun guitar to play, which leads me to believe the reason I don't care for the Baretta is the lack of a Floyd. It really seems like a criminal offense not to have a Floyd on a guitar with that shape of headstock. It's kinda makes me think of a guitar sold at Walmart. It looks the part of a super Strat, but doesn't follow through when it comes to playing like a super Strat. I'll probably do something with it someday, but I'm honestly more interested in the Pacer. I think anyone looking to buy the Baretta Special would be much happier with the Pacer or the Stryker.

I just got an Epiphone Les Paul for parts. $40. I might just end up splurging on parts, just because I got it so cheap. Are there any good locking tuners that fit this guitar?

got the same one ordered on the way.we'll see.for 179 i had to have one.sounds great.great playing.

I bought mine a couple of years ago and I need to look at where it was made but I got one with the darker fret board and a real sweet neck with near perfect frets. Odds are it may have been Indonesian. I wonder where I put it? Yes I have that problem :)

I am about to get my hands on a Baretta Special made in Indonesia.....I think they are great guitars for the money.....how did you record those double lead guitar parts??....thank you for the answer....greetings from Lima, Peru....

As a gigging bass player, I am used to 12lb jazz basses so guitars feel light to me. I usually play a 9 lb Les Paul when I do play guitar. That being said, I prefer Ibanez Soundgear basses and Ibanez S Series guitars because they are thin and light and I love the necks. Having options sure is nice. Somedays the weight does bother me if i'm tired or already in pain. I don't even notice weight while sitting down.

wow you are my favorite shredder, man you can play . thanks for the video

Where did you get that phil Collen Ibanez destroyer

I prefer heavy guitars to light guitars, even sitting down. A heavier body means less neck dive, and I have a Harley Benton Fusion that just absolutely hates to stay balanced. I have to prop it up by the neck far too often but my Fender which weight about 3 pounds less than my car...no neck dive at all. Love it.

After many years as a musician I will say that you love what you love. Often it's as simple as that. You just don't vibe with a particular instrument. For any number of reasons. I can however unequivocally say that it sounded GREAT on the lead breaks! 😁

Thank you. I was planning to buy one of these. Now I think I will try an IYV.

I have 2 of the indo versions in purple and metallic blue, I changed the pot the pickup nut and bridge and tuners cost about 300 for each but they both play like 1000 dollar guitars for a total investment of 479.00 each and yes they are a little heavier than you think they would be..

Just bought the purple one and it's still the light Indonesian one made in 2021. Maybe try ordering the purple one?

I sanded the neck too ,but it's just wide and the stretches are big,hard to play but string tension is real good

So funny that you said that about the weight. I was not comfortable playing my second one sitting down at all. Now I wonder if the weight was different from the first one? Another thing is my neck was pretty thin on both. I'm thinking they used different specs on a bunch of these. Excellent video as always, my Westcoast brother! BTW how do you like the computer monitor I sent you? 😂

Great video Richard. Also - yip-f*cking-ee!! From everything you said I've got one of the Indonesian ones!! Its light, the neck profile is nice and thin, frets are medium jumbos. It's so comfortable and fun to play. Only mods I did was clipping the cap, removing the middle trem spring, filing the nut slightly (and lubing it) and its superb! 🤘😎🤘 Was gonna buy another one but now afraid I'll get one of those Chinese ones. 😮

i thought mine was a newer one, which i got earlier this year, but looks like its made in indonesia, so i don't know about the differences between ones made in china... neck is wider than i'm used to, so it made me notice the frets more and i thought was fret sprout...but now i'm not too sure (i took a fret polish kit to the ends, maybe that helped.) someone argued somewhere the frets are cheap and are going to wear out fast, and they still feel a bit of texture even post-polishing, but i'm not worried about it. im more used to the neck now, and it looks cool as shit (swapped in a X2n pickup and splattered paint all over it, too) . its one of the few maple fretboard guitars i have, so im still stoked on it.

I just got an Indonesian Beretta Viper that I bought on the floor at Guitar Center. (I called first and the guy said he looked on the floor and said it wasn't in stock. So I drove to the store and It was totally in stock in a locked up showcase. It was $1,000. I put a Screamin Demon in it and it is super fly. The Screamin Demon makes it super responsive to squealies. It's way brighter than my rosewood Beretta. I like them both but this is a fantastic addition.

Hmm, I have the Indonesian candy blue one and the Alnico 5 pickup is cream on the bridge side and black on the neck side, so just the other way around as yours is... Strange?

I bought a assault plus(square head, they dont make it anymore) and it was made in Indonesia.For someone who doesn't like that guitar, you sure make her sing.

Excellent playing!!! Reminds me of Vinnie Moore in the 80s.

A little pro tip for guitar necks like that. I strip paint off all of mine if they have it. But if the neck is too chunky. Get some files and sandpaper. First file off that square heel and shape it right up to the body. This makes it so you can get right up on the frets with easy. Now. Get a few grades of sandpaper. Cusp the sandpaper in your hand and start stroking the ENTIRE NECK! Your hand will know when the neck fits the way you like it. Just keep sanding, just keep sanding, and keep going until you like it using 80 grit. Once you get it to where you want it. Then go to a 240 grit. Then a 600 grit for fine sanding. You can go higher if you like and make it super smoooth! A few hours of playing and its done. Even some super expensive guitars Ive owned had sucky bat necks. No sense in getting rid of really nice guitars over baseball bat necks. Its wood! Sand it! Just make sure to not go too flat or you could expose the trussrod/s. But most guitarists know also to not take off to much near a flute on certain necks. Cough cough, GIBSONS! cough cough. But as for the weight. I like a bit heavy guitars. It makes me feel AI am not playing a toy. But I am not a huge guy, but I am also not a small guy. But hey, send it to me. I kick this bad boy up!

Some of the MIC Kramer Pacers & Striker guitars seemed like they skipped QC altogether. I wouldn't be surprised if the MIC Baretta Specials now have QC issues that the Indonesian ones didn't have.

I have the metallic blue and it is newer but from Indonesia. Neck is a thin U shape with beautiful wood grain that tapers into a more C shape at the higher registers. I noticed mine has a very thin neck joint and your white one looks bulky like a standard Fender Strat mine is more like a thin Bullet strat. I feel mine is heavy and it’s 7.6 lbs, 8.3 is a tank.

I've got one and I love it. I'm going to get the gray Vintage with the Floyd and Seymour Duncan.

Pickup is not the same either. The old models had a black over cream humbucker, yours has a cream over black humbucker. The order of the colors on a zebra humbucker is even more important than tone wood.

just bought one and was looking into mods this came up, i looked at the back and turns out guitar center just had the Indonesian ones lying around. was on sale thanks to a micro dent too. Woo!

I like a beefier neck and smaller frets myself, and I don't mind a guitar being a little heavy, but we all have our personal preferences. To each their own!

I haven't changed a thing, other than a high E tuner that I damaged when I knocked off the Baretta from its stand and now it's in vintage bronze colour, but I may go with locking tuners at some point. For the money I find a not too many that can compete with it, perhaps one of those Amazon brands like Westcreek, but then we are getting into unknowns brand wise. I do have an earlier version of BS with thin neck though and it the lightest of all of my guitars which are mostly FR superstrats and single cuts.

Try looking for a used replacement neck from Indonesia

Gibson isn’t doing Kramer any favors. They’re like the redheaded stepchild brand. They get almost zero advertising, and instead of making kramers price appropriate, they just keep using cheaper and cheaper parts, and putting less and less work into them. I played a high end kramer from the 80’s once a long time ago, and it’s always stuck in my head as such a great feeling guitar. I give lessons at a guitar store, and there is a bunch of those Barrettas on the wall, and they all feel pretty terrible. The Barretta special is close to the epiphone Les Paul special (the $150 one that comes in the gear pack). That’s sad because Kramers used to be such a revered brand. They do still have some nice guitars, but they don’t feel or play the same as the older ones. I mean, you can say the same thing about Jacksons, but at least Fender has put a lot of thought and innovation into them since acquiring them. Gibson is throwing Kramer in the crapper.

I don’t know what mine weighs, but mine was made in Indonesia, I don’t think it’s much heavier than my RG . I would think as many custom guitars as you’ve built you would be up to mod that special a little bit. I think you should take a palm sander to the neck and go slow, I did that on an old squier and it wound up being one of the most comfortable necks I’ve ever played after that. I noticed the biggest change in mine when I replaced the pot it like a blanket came off of it. Also if you’ve never re fretted a neck and wanted to learn 179 dollar guitar would be a good one to try that. I don’t think that the specials are nearly as great as some people say they are but they aren’t bad for the money, but I’ve done a lot of tinkering on mine rolled the edges of the board made a good difference

Your playing says "No Problem Here" I wish to have these Trax you record for easy listening metal

Too heavy? Wow! I have this model in purple and I found it surprisingly light, which makes it great as a pick-up and go instrument. I haven't weighed it, but there's no way it's 8 pounds. The issues I have had with it was fret sprout and the tremelo is rather useless. But the pickup is great (very close to a DiMarzio Super Distortion) and the neck profile feels good, if not the thinnest. I agree about the fret size, but it still plays very comfortably. Now I thought it was a Chinese model, but now I'm doubting based on what you described., so let me go and check... ...I'm back, and it is indeed the Indonesian model, which explains a lot. Man, those differences you describe really change the experience. I wasn't aware of that change in manufacturing location and I can imagine you wanting to pass it on given your experience. Still a great looking and sounding instrument though.

Wait ? Did you say you paid $179 for that guitar? What makes you think it would be any good to begin with? I’ve paid that much for pick ups.

Sanding down the neck is perfect for a $179 guitar. That way you don’t feel so mortified if you mess up. You should sand it with 320, 400 and 600 to the width you like, apply boiled linseed oil and let dry for 24 hours then see how the difference feels. I do that on my bolt on Squier necks and they end up perfect. Just a suggestion.

I don't have the same problem with heavy guitars on my leg (yet!), but if a guitar is not comfortable to the player, then the match between instrument and player is not good. Your complaint is valid. It is subjective; this is a subjective area. The guitar and the player have to get along. That particular Baretta Special is too heavy for your taste and/or your body. You paid your money, you get your choice. I wouldn't have bought that guitar for some of the same reasons that you do like it for. I don't do single-pickup guitars, cursing them as one-trick ponies. I have learned a healthy disdain for six-screw, vintage-style synchronized "tremolos" -- give me either at least a two-point non-locker or even a full-on Floyd, or alternatively a hard tail over a six-screw. Am I wrong? According to someone somewhere, yes! But my axes have to please me and only me, so that's it. That's why we have umpteen million guitar types and models. We pays our money and we gets our choice!

I once bought a Kramer Focus out of a pawn shop I think it was made in Korea in the late 80's. It sounded really good but the neck was way too thick especially the body/neck joint where I couldn't play the 22'nd fret standing up. It was way too heavy a guitar too and I just never wanted a Kramer again

Bald Shredder! I have the same white Kramer Special. Mine was also made in China Mine is also quite a bit heavier than my 3 other Baretta Specials which were made in Indonesia Mine had quite a few substandard QA issues Different crappy bridge The pickup wire routing was wrong The trem spring adjusting screws short and made of crap. Mine was a lemon. It was sad because I love the look of it. What did I do? Installed a black nickel Floyd Rose nut and non micro-tuning locking bridge. Also added some black nickel tuners. It plays awesome so I love it now. The quality difference between the Indonesian Kramer guitars is very different. I dont know what the body is made of but its much heavier. The Kramer Baretta Specials are made in Indonesia. For some reason our white ones came from China.

no idea about the special but I have a Baretta "vintage". frets are jumbo, body is maple so it is not heavy and I love the thin neck. I also have a pacer classic that I got first, and I was so amazed by it that got the Baretta soon after.

...maybe the Indo vs China differences ARE the reason.. I have an early Indo one (plus a few more old/new Kramers) and I LOVE the neck on my Indo special, it's a crazy nice neck to play! Far out, I didn't know they changed some specs on 'em..

I just verified - my purple Baretta Special is made in Indonesia. This guitar is amazing for the price I paid NEW ($179), and it feels great. Yes the neck feels great, and the weight feels fine. I've never played a Chinese-made one, sorry to hear that it might not be the same experience for you. I've kept mine stock, it's just fine, even with some small flaws (using the whammy makes it go out of tune), but the pickup sounds great, or at least great enough to not feel like I'm missing out.

I have one from 2020, super light, super shred thin neck...feels super in the hands.....

I own a current version Chinese made Striker and its neck is surprisingly thin kinda close to an Ibz neck. Maybe I got lucky. I think they change specs from time to time.

The Kramer VT211S focus guitars are made in China and have unbelievable necks. They almost feel bare wood. They're thin and incredibly ergonomic. Love mine! Great Super Strat mod platform

I wish I had one

i have a blue indo i bought 4 months ago new for $199 so i guess there are some left in some warehouses.

Ya know you gotta play the heavy guitar to git the heavy sound man! I tried one, it was fun but didn't do it for me. My chinese Peavey RetroFire ( I've seen people advertise them as "Rectrofire") took two necks to get it right. ( and they were completely different in feel ) I generally steer clear of ccp guitars, although I'll keep the "rectro" the other things I try just don't talk to me. Thanks for putting this up.

I'm pretty sure you could make a bucket and mop handle sound great!! 🤣🤘🤘

Rich, I own an 1985 Baretta and nothing plays or sounds like my guitar. Sorry you bought a reissue of this classic monster guitar, this guitar is a legend in all respects. I can sell you mine , I’m asking $10,000 with its original case.

If it feels heavy on your leg that’s not dumb at all. The guitar should feel comfortable for you and not anyone else. Your opinions are valid, as much as anyone else’s.

Ibanez Genesis RG550.. I really wanted to like the two I bought but they just felt heavy and dead.

I have the purple one and I think it’s pretty light.

A person likes what they like. You do you and keep on shredding

Hi Man, I would like to buy your songs as mp3 Amazon doesn't work and I would have to spend extra money for the other providers! Can I buy from you via Paypal or ........?

I just bought one a few days ago at guitar center and it was made in Indonesia

Wow, mine is made in Indonesia and I want my frets bigger. They're too small. Mine is exactly 7 lbs.

The other day I was at Guitar Center Maple Grove Minnesota, I played a PRS it had a big price tag. I didn't like it. I have two Brarreta specials like them better than the PRS . It's all personal preference. Great videos. I enjoy them alot.

Don't know if you noticed but I think the pickup on your guitar is upside down lol

I've got two vintage Krammer Pacers. The bodies are made of Maple. one is 11 lbs and the one is 13 lbs. EVH's 5150 guitar body was made of maple. The vintage Krasmers have nice D shaped necks. Love the profile on them.

modded my Indonesia beretta with a vega trem and locking tuners.yeah more then i paid for the guitar.but it plays as good as some of my custom shop guitars.

I would like to buy it from you if no one has already asked. Thanks

Yo Rich I understand what you're saying I also play Les Paul's though and the Kramer's later to me than that I love mine and the weight doesn't bother me but I understand what you're saying I know some people just can't handle the weight still love you though man!!!! Even though you don't love my favorite guitar😂

Awesome review man. Id probably keep it and maybe sand the neck back? Use it as a future modder or beater ? Hahah rad bro. Or Give it to Metal Dude. I can hear him now!? "Duuuude. Like, Niiiooooo way bruuhh!?" Coooool. Lol😅

So, it's not a dinky, right? I really like the San Dimas shape, but I prefer the Soloist/Dinky body shape, this pickup looks super weird, I really prefer the normal angle pickups. The guitar is kind of cool, but still prefer the traditional stuff! Nice solo!!!

I much more at ease that you're never gonna wanna play my Les Paul's now! 🤣

I see your problem, it's your price 179. My 3 Kramers are anywhere between 900 and a little over a thousand. The necks are different on the higher price models. Big difference.

I have the pink one, or whatever it's called, and haven't really noticed those issues with it. It's a new one as well. For me, it's the pickup that I don't like. It's too 'metal' for me and lacks the full range of sound. Still, it's one of my favorites. Great video and awesome jam at the end.

Time to get a bigger leg.😂

I want the Purple one..

i got the Indonesian version and i love it, can't beat it for the price but i also spent the extra 500$ and got the original baretta with the floyd rose. After all these mods and upgrades ppl might as well just splerge for the regular Baretta

I have played them all and I like the looks of the white one but the Indonesian ones are much lighter.

Something else that might be throwing you off Richard is the string alignment. It looks pretty whack to me, the top e looks nearly off the fretboard compared to the bottom E. You might be able to correct it with shifting the neck in the pocket to even it up. Yet another joy of Chinese made guitars and their QC!!!

I have purpure indonesia I love itt.. setup needed my bridge screw who’s damaged …

I had a bass that cut off the circulation to my leg.

Thank god a local dealer still sits on a bunch of black specials made in Indonesia 😂 pssst dont tell anyone

I got the old version purple 179.00 back then! It's OK! I don't purfur thin necks, but then I'm not a Shredder. I'm a Blues 80's hair metal player kinda? I was busy writing my own tunes and trying to find my own style!?? Too late!😢 thanks Shreddermister 😊

I have a Harley Benton Telecaster Mad Cat look that weighs 10.3 lbs. if it were not for the weight I would love it, but it's to heavy for me.

Greetings Richard I have a 2020 made in Indonesia purple one . Here are the changes made : Diaddario locking tuners Graphtech nut Vega Trem tremelo Cut the treble bleed circuit Now my assessment . This is the fastest playing , lowest action guitar I have ever played . I'm 61 years old playing since I was 15 . Self taught . My neck is slim , with no finish on the back . Frets are near perfect . Smooth fret ends and the frets are perfectly level . No buzz anywhere . I tube down a half step and play Diaddario 9"s . Slinky . Beauty low string tension . Killer Sustain . Vega Trem is so stable both pulling up and dive bombing . I'm into it for about $650 with the upgrades . Would not sell it for $2000 It's that good . Maybe I could send it to you for review . I'll pay to get it home .

I have both and your absolutely correct. The Indonesian Kramers are much better

It's not heavy compare to my Ibanez RG2550 , but the weight balance is not right on Baretta when you place it on lap..

Difference in neck thickness, just adjust the position of your thumb.

I have a special that was from Indonesia, and its light, (Craigslist find) I also have a full recent Baretta which is Heavy AF and much harder to play, the cheapie plays and feels tons better.