Richard Akers Interview on the Jersey Star

Richard Akers headed up the research and development process on the Jersey Star at Kramer/Epiphone. Richard should be commended for his absolute dedication in making this guitar as correct as humanly possible. Richard emailed Mike and Monte constantly with questions about specifics down to the switches and pickup rings on the Star to ensure the best possible product. So, here's a "Vintage Kramer Salute" to Richard for his due diligence and hard work on the Jersey Star. We also know Richard is a really busy guy, so getting a quick set of questions from him on the design process of the Jersey Star is a real treat. Thanks Richard!!

Protos and First Model	Production Model #1	Neck and Inlays	Headstock

1. What was the original thought process that led up to the reissue of the Jersey Star?
After releasing the 1984 and seeing the excitement it generated we knew there was a demand for reissue Kramers. We began thinking about some models from Kramer’s rich history that would capture this excitement for the Kramer community. Along with discussions with several of the guys from www.vintagekramer.com we decided that the Sambora model did just that. It’s a very recognizable guitar and also a great guitar from a strictly playing perspective. The range of tones possible from this guitar is just fantastic.

2. The inlay work is phenomenal, what were some of the design issues dealing with getting that inlay work correct.
Thanks for mentioning that. This is one of the aspects of the guitar I am most pleased with myself. In the past most inlay work of this type was routed using very small router bits on a CNC machine. This method has its limitations when working with sharp corners as is the case with the Jersey Star. When using router bits to cut inlays there will always be a small radius at the corners due to the diameter of the bit. This is sometimes called Mickey Mouse ears. To overcome this we were able to both cut the inlay and route the fingerboard using a Laser cutting machine. The inlays fit perfectly and all corners come to a sharp point.

3. What were some of the biggest challenges in bringing the Star to market?
Anytime we bring a new product to market there are always certain issues that provide challenges. As I mentioned a minute ago I was never happy with the quality of the inlay work until we started using the Laser machine. I guess besides that the most challenging aspect was just making sure we got the instrument as close to the original as humanly possible. I went to great lengths to insure we got the details correct on this instrument. I really appreciate all of the help from Mike and Monte over at VintageKramer.

4. What process do you guys go through in order to make the bodies/necks exact, in short form?
We realize that it is a huge process!!! Yea you’re right. It’s a very involved process but in a nutshell we use a CMM (computer measuring machine) to digitize the instrument we are trying to duplicate. I took a production Sambora that happens to belong to our Chief Operating Officer here at Epiphone and placed it on this machine. Once the instrument is captured on the CMM I then translate an .igs formatted file into an AutoCAD drawing we can use for production prints.

5. What did the guitar look like that you modeled the Star after? Was it a production run Kramer Sambora from back in the day?
As I just mentioned I used a production run Kramer Sambora for the basic neck and body prints. We wanted this to be closer to Richie’s personal guitar so after I had the basic body and neck dimensions I added the original back pocket profile from a drawing I got from Monte who actually owns one of Richie’s personal guitars. We also used the inlays with the black outline that are on Richie’s. To take this even a step further we decided to use the pearloid tuner buttons. I really think this is as close as you can get to owning one of Richie’s personal Kramer star guitars without having one of his very own originals.

6. As a designer, how would you compare the Star to other Kramers you guys make and also, to other Epiphone or Gibson models?
The Kramer Jersey Star has turned out just fantastic. I know you guys have been eagerly waiting to say the least. (laughs) I think it’s going to be well worth the wait. With our team in Nashville doing all of the assembly and set up it’s going to be hard to find a better playing instrument. All of the hardware, pickups, and electronics on this thing are top notch. I would put the Jersey Star up against just about any guitar available. A lot of this stuff with guitars is all about personal taste but for this style of instrument it would be hard to find a better more versatile guitar.


Note: Richie Sambora does not endorse or use Kramer Guitars. References within this interview to Richie Sambora are strictly for historical reference only.