The Kramer Assault Figured bridges modern shred hardware with classic single-cutaway heritage. The figured maple top is the visual centerpiece—these are not thin veneers but legitimate wood grain that varies from guitar to guitar, making each one unique. Combined with responsive hardware and punchy pickups, the Assault Figured is for players who refuse to choose between beauty and function.
Visual Presence & Construction
The figured maple top is the star. Kramer sources premium figured blanks—three-piece or thicker single pieces that showcase dramatic grain patterns. No two guitars are identical. You might get a subtle quilted pattern or a wild flame figure that catches light from every angle. This is tone wood and visual art combined.
The body is lighter than traditional Les Paul style guitars, which is Kramer’s modern interpretation. While a traditional LP might push 10+ pounds, the Assault comes in significantly lighter, reducing fatigue on long gigs without sacrificing the woody resonance that single-cutaway players seek. The body geometry is also more modern—sharper edges and a slimmer profile make this feel like a player’s guitar, not a collectible relic.
Specs & Hardware
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Body | Mahogany with Figured Maple Top |
| Neck | Satin Maple, Compound Radius |
| Fretboard | Rosewood, 24 Jumbo Frets |
| Pickups | Two Kramer USA Neptune Humbuckers |
| Bridge | Tune-O-Matic Style with Stop Bar |
| Tuners | Modern Locking Tuners |
| Controls | Volume, Tone, 3-Way Toggle |
| Price Range | $799–$999 |
The two-humbucker setup keeps things straightforward. Neck and bridge pickups, standard 3-way toggle. No complexity, no coil-tap gimmicks. Just pure, focused tones. The Kramer USA Neptune humbuckers in both positions are matched pairs, providing balanced output and cohesive voice throughout the guitar’s tonal range.
The Tune-O-Matic bridge with stop bar is a departure from the Floyd Rose systems on other Kramer models. This is intentional. Tune-O-Matic design doesn’t require the fussy maintenance a floating tremolo demands. You get genuine single-cutaway tone without the hassle. The bridge is fully adjustable for intonation and action, and the stop bar provides rock-solid tuning stability.
This choice makes the Assault Figured the easiest Kramer to maintain. No spring tension adjustments, no fine-tuning the bridge angle, no tremolo arm to worry about. Just a working player’s guitar.
Who Is It For?
The Assault Figured targets intermediate to advanced players who appreciate aesthetics and tone but don’t want to deal with tremolo maintenance. If you’ve been eyeing a Les Paul but wanted something faster and lighter, this is your guitar. The single-cutaway body appeals to blues-rock, hard rock, and metal players equally.
Collectors will appreciate the figured top. Each Assault Figured is unique, and the grain patterns age beautifully. Players who gig constantly will love the Tune-O-Matic reliability. You’ll never be stranded with an intonation problem.
The Dave Mustaine Vanguard 2026 Tour offers a different approach within the same Kramer family.
Comparison: Assault Figured vs. Jersey Star vs. Nite-V
Assault Figured: Single-cutaway, figured maple top, two humbuckers, Tune-O-Matic bridge. Traditional tone with modern playability.
Jersey Star: Single-cutaway, three humbuckers, Floyd Rose 1000, more tonal flexibility. Premium pricing.
Nite-V: V-style body, two humbuckers, Floyd Rose. More aggressive aesthetic and hardware approach.
The Assault Figured is the bridge between classic and contemporary. The Jersey Star offers more tonal switching but costs more. The Nite-V is for visual statement. Choose the Assault if you want sustainable ergonomics, beautiful wood, and hassle-free operation.
For another take on the Kramer formula, check out the Kramer Pacer Deluxe Collection.
Tone & Playability
Mahogany with a figured maple top delivers a warm, woody tone that sits beautifully in a mix. The figured maple cap tightens the top-end and adds articulation compared to plain mahogany. You get body and clarity simultaneously—an excellent balance for both rhythm and lead work.
The Neptune humbuckers are perfectly voiced for this body wood. The neck pickup delivers singing sustain on solos. The bridge pickup has presence without harshness. The Tune-O-Matic bridge preserves the resonance that sustain-conscious players demand.
The lightweight body means this guitar won’t tax your shoulders during a two-hour set, yet the wood resonance is legit. You’re not sacrificing tone for comfort—Kramer has engineered both into this platform.
For a competing option, the Jackson Misha Mansoor Juggernaut HT6 targets a similar player at a comparable price point.
Pricing & Market Position
At $799–$999, the Assault Figured positions itself as a premium instrument without the complexity or cost of the Jersey Star. You’re paying for figured wood, quality hardware, and simplified maintenance. It’s an excellent value for players who want a single-cutaway without traditional Les Paul weight and hassle.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Figured maple top is visually unique and premium
- Lightweight mahogany body preserves tone while reducing fatigue
- Tune-O-Matic bridge requires zero tremolo maintenance
- Kramer USA Neptune pickups deliver balanced, articulate tones
- Single-cutaway geometry gives upper-fret access
- Simpler control layout—easy to operate in a live setting
- Excellent value compared to traditional single-cutaway competitors
Cons:
- No tremolo system (limitation for players who need it)
- Heavier than superstrat designs; not ideal for marathon standing sets
- Fewer tonal options than the three-humbucker Jersey Star
- Higher price ($799–$999) compared to budget alternatives
- Figured maple top quality varies; some units may have less dramatic grain
Bottom Line
The Kramer Assault Figured is a modern reimagining of single-cutaway heritage. The figured maple top catches every eye in a room, but the real victory is how this guitar plays and maintains itself. For serious players who want beautiful wood, responsive hardware, and hassle-free operation, the Assault Figured is an investment that will last decades.
Highly recommended for anyone seeking a single-cutaway platform without traditional LP compromises.
The Charvel Super-Stock So-Cal Aged Arctic is a strong alternative from a rival brand.
FAQ
How thick is the figured maple top?
The figured maple cap is a genuine 3/16″ to 1/4″ piece of premium wood, not a thin veneer. This thickness contributes to tone and durability.
Will the figured maple vary between guitars?
Yes. Each guitar is made from different wood blanks, so grain patterns vary significantly. This makes every Assault Figured unique.
Can I add a tremolo to the Assault Figured?
Not easily. The Tune-O-Matic bridge and stop bar are fixed hardware. Converting to a floating tremolo would require router work. It’s best to accept the Assault’s fixed-bridge design.
What’s the weight of the Assault Figured?
Typically 8.5–9.5 pounds, which is lighter than traditional single-cutaway designs. Exact weight varies by body blank.