Kramer unveils the SM-1 H, the latest evolution of its hot-rodded Stagemaster model

Three examples of Kramer's new SM-1 H guitar
(Image credit: Kramer Guitars)

Kramer has unveiled the SM-1 H, a new, stripped-down version of its SM-1 electric guitar

The SM-1 H boasts the same double-cut mahogany body and ebony fingerboard, for instance, as the SM-1 – which itself is a 21st century take on Kramer's '80s-era Stagemaster model. 

However, the newer model features only a single pickup – a Seymour Duncan JB humbucker in the bridge – and a single volume knob with push/pull series/parallel switching, as opposed to its predecessor's trio of pickups (a pair of Seymour Duncan Cool Rails in the neck and middle, in addition to the JB in the bridge.)

Otherwise, the SM-1 H boasts largely the same spec sheet as its predecessor, with a shred-friendly 24-fret fingerboard, Floyd Rose 1000 series tremolo and R2 1000 series locking nut.

The guitar is also outfitted with Kramer black die cast tuners, and its hardware is finished in black chrome.

The Kramer SM-1 H is available now – in sleek Buzzsaw Gold, Shockwave Purple and Tronius Silver finishes – for $999. 

For more info on the model, visit Kramer.

The reveal of the SM-1 H comes a month or so after the most recent addition to Kramer's Original collection of guitars, the similarly no-frills, humbucker-powered Pacer Classic

Jackson Maxwell

Jackson is an Associate Editor at GuitarWorld.com. He’s been writing and editing stories about new gear, technique and guitar-driven music both old and new since 2014, and has also written extensively on the same topics for Guitar Player. Elsewhere, his album reviews and essays have appeared in Louder and Unrecorded. Though open to music of all kinds, his greatest love has always been indie, and everything that falls under its massive umbrella. To that end, you can find him on Twitter crowing about whatever great new guitar band you need to drop everything to hear right now.