Thanks for the reply maggior as well as the words of encouragement. Good to hear that Hamer is a decent brand. I have seen hundreds of guitars come through our shop, but this is the first one that talked to me.
Time will tell how well I adapt and overcome the injury. If it is anything like the other hobbies I have I will work around/through it. I do know I am having problems hitting string six with that short finger so I may need to adjust my hold.

Thanks again, JB