Originally Posted by: 911JBHello all, newbie here with a question or two. First a little background , then the question.
I am a newbie to playing guitar. The only experience I have with one comes from a brief spell back in the mid 80's when I was trying to teach myself on a old Kay brand. I was about 3-4 weeks into fondling it when a work accident cost me the tip of my left index finger. The docs sewed it back on , but it is now a 1/2 inch short , dead to feelings and basically skin covered bone with a nail on it. I have grown use to not using it much and compensating by using my middle finger as my main finger.
Lets fast forward to last week now.
I work in a pawnshop part time on the weekends and last saturday a Hamer XT series, sunburst walked into the shop. I have always enjoyed looking at the guitars that come in the door and for some reason this one spoke to me. Take me home it said. So I did. Now after 30 years on hold I am going to try and teach myself how to play .

Now for the questions.
1. How much of a problem will the short, dead index finger cause me? I am right handed so it will be my neck hand.

2. Hamer guitars, quality, OK, or junk ? I have never heard of Hamer guitars before.

3. Esteban instructional videos, Worth my time or not ? I also ran across a 10 dvd series [Crystal Star -Esteban] at the shop and brought it home.


Thanks in advance,

Respects, JB.


The Hamer.

1) One of the greatest jazz guitarists, Django Rheinhart played with two fingers so anything is possible. Also, Neal Walter here has posted about a a fingertip covering that may help too.
2) Hamer are great guitars. Should have no worries there.
3) Estaban is ok. Register here as a full member. It is awesome.