The Kramer Baretta Time Machine is a love letter to the 1980s wrapped in modern hardware. The custom Time Machine graphic—a cosmic-themed design that evokes that specific era—is paired with serious specifications. This is not a novelty guitar; it’s a legitimate player’s instrument with attitude.
Design & Aesthetic
The Baretta body style is a slim single-cutaway shape that splits the difference between Strat and Les Paul. It’s ergonomic, slightly offset, and visually distinctive without being as aggressive as a V-body. The Time Machine graphic wraps around the body—a custom artwork that captures that retro-futuristic 1980s vibe that defined Kramer’s golden era.
The satin maple neck is a modern touch that contradicts the retro aesthetic. Satin finishes feel fast and require less maintenance than gloss. This creates a guitar that looks like it time-traveled from the ’80s but plays like a contemporary instrument. It’s intentional cognitive dissonance that works beautifully.
Specifications & Hardware
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Body | Alder with Custom Time Machine Graphic |
| Neck | Satin Maple, Compound Radius |
| Fretboard | Rosewood, 24 Jumbo Frets |
| Pickup | Kramer 85-T Zebra Humbucker (bridge) |
| Bridge | Floyd Rose 1000 System |
| Tuners | Modern Locking Tuners |
| Controls | Volume, Tone |
| Price Range | $799–$999 |
The single-humbucker configuration is bold. Most players expect two pickups; Kramer is forcing you to commit to a specific tone philosophy. The Kramer 85-T Zebra humbucker is a vintage-style pickup with moderate output and a warm, woody character. The “zebra” coil pattern (alternating magnet colors) is vintage Kramer DNA. This pickup doesn’t need help—it’s voiced to be the center of attention.
The 85-T is a medium-output pickup that breaks up beautifully when pushed through a tube amp. It’s articulate enough for solos and thick enough for rhythm. Playing this guitar is an exercise in responsiveness—the pickup responds to your playing dynamics in ways overwound pickups cannot.
The Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo ensures this guitar can handle modern shredding demands. Even with a single pickup, you’re not sacrificing hardware. The Floyd Rose locks in tuning through dive bombs and aggressive vibrato. The locking nut anchors the strings at the headstock, preventing slippage.
The simple control layout—volume and tone, no switches—reinforces the minimalist philosophy. You’re playing the pickup and the amp. No complexity. No distractions.
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Who Is It For?
Players who embrace visual identity and tonal simplicity. This guitar appeals to players who’ve spent time understanding their tone and know that more pickups aren’t always better. The Baretta Time Machine targets collectors, players seeking a conversation piece that actually plays well, and anyone who loves the 1980s aesthetic.
Intermediate to advanced players will appreciate the single-pickup commitment. Beginners might feel limited by the lack of flexibility, but serious players understand that limitations breed creativity.
Comparison: Baretta Time Machine vs. 84 HH vs. Nite-V
Baretta Time Machine: Single humbucker, minimalist design, retro aesthetic, Floyd Rose. Tonal purity over flexibility.
84 HH: Two humbuckers, iconic shape, metal-focused, lighter body. Modern versatility with historical significance.
Nite-V: V-style body, two humbuckers, aggressive stance. Maximum visual statement.
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The Baretta is for minimalists and collectors. The 84 HH is for versatile metal players. The Nite-V is for maximum visual impact. They serve different player philosophies.
Tone & Character
The alder body with a single 85-T humbucker creates tone that’s open and woody without being overly dark. The pickup’s moderate output means your amp’s breakup character shines through. This is a guitar that rewards players who understand tube amp dynamics and compression.
The Floyd Rose adds another dimension. Dive bombs on a single-humbucker guitar sound different—more immediate, less filtered. Subtle vibrato adds movement and warmth. The tremolo arm becomes a tonal tool, not just an effect.
Playing the Baretta Time Machine is an exercise in focus. Without a second pickup for tonal variety, you’re locked into developing sustain, dynamics, and articulation. It’s limitation as a teacher.
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Pricing & Collectibility
At $799–$999, the Baretta Time Machine is priced as a specialty guitar. You’re paying for the custom graphic, the 85-T vintage-style pickup, and the design philosophy. This isn’t the cheapest Kramer option, but it’s positioned as a collectible piece alongside being a functional player’s guitar.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Custom Time Machine graphic is visually distinctive
- Single 85-T humbucker forces tonal discipline and character
- Alder body provides clarity and warmth
- Satin maple neck feels fast and modern
- Floyd Rose 1000 handles any tremolo demand
- Minimalist control layout—no complexity
- Collectable design with genuine playing credentials
Cons:
- Single pickup limits tonal flexibility
- 85-T humbucker’s moderate output may require higher amp volume
- Time Machine graphic may feel dated to players seeking timeless aesthetics
- Higher price ($799–$999) for a single-humbucker guitar
- Not ideal for players needing multiple tones in one guitar
Bottom Line
The Kramer Baretta Time Machine is a niche guitar for players who understand that limitations breed character. The custom retro aesthetic, combined with serious hardware and a vintage-voiced humbucker, creates an instrument that’s both a conversation piece and a legitimate player. This is for collectors who also gig, and serious musicians who appreciate visual identity.
If you’ve ever wanted a guitar that makes a statement before you play a note, the Baretta Time Machine delivers. Highly recommended for players seeking something completely different.
Shoppers cross-shopping this model should also consider the Charvel Super-Stock So-Cal Aged Arctic.
FAQ
Why only one pickup?
Design philosophy. Kramer is making you commit to a single tonal voice and forcing you to develop dynamics and character rather than switching pickups. It’s limitation as an artistic statement.
Can I add a neck pickup to the Baretta?
You could, but that defeats the purpose. The single-pickup design is intentional. If you need flexibility, choose a different Kramer model.
Is the Time Machine graphic printed or inlaid?
Screen-printed and protected under the finish. The graphic won’t wear off, but like all screen-printed graphics, it develops character over years of playing.
Is the 85-T humbucker good for metal?
Yes, if you pair it with a high-gain amp. The moderate output means your amp needs to provide the aggression. This guitar rewards understanding of tone stacking and amp settings.