The Kramer Volante HH is a superstrat that refused to compromise with metal. Two Kramer USA Neptune humbuckers, a thermally aged maple neck, and lightweight alder body create a guitar that bridges the speed and comfort of modern superstrats with the tonal authority of full humbuckers. This is metal efficiency engineered into a familiar platform.
Superstrat with Humbucker Authority
Most superstrats are Strat-based compromises—single-coils with some humbuckers mixed in. The Volante HH commits to humbuckers while maintaining superstrat ergonomics. The body is contoured for comfort. The horns are streamlined for upper-fret access. The result is a guitar that plays like a contemporary superstrat but sounds like a metal machine.
The lightweight alder body is crucial. Heavier body woods can feel sluggish. Alder provides the clarity and articulation that fast players demand. Combined with a thermally aged maple neck, you get a guitar that responds immediately to your playing—no lag, no dead spots.
Specifications & Hardware
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Body | Lightweight Alder |
| Neck | Thermally Aged Maple, Compound Radius |
| Fretboard | Rosewood, 24 Jumbo Frets |
| Pickups | Kramer USA Neptune Humbuckers (neck & bridge) |
| Bridge | Modern Hardtail |
| Tuners | Modern Locking Tuners |
| Controls | Volume, Tone, 3-Way Toggle |
| Price Range | $749–$949 |
The two Neptune humbuckers are matched pairs that deliver consistent tone across both positions. The bridge pickup roars with presence. The neck pickup balances thickness with articulation for solos that sing. Both pickups are voiced for clarity—they cut through high-gain settings without becoming a wall of noise.
The compound radius neck flattens toward the higher frets, meaning your solos and tapping work without fretting out. The rosewood fretboard adds warmth and is durable. This neck was engineered by people who understand fast playing.
The hardtail bridge is non-negotiable for metal. No floating tremolo means consistent tuning throughout aggressive playing. The bridge is a working platform that gets out of the way.
Who Is It For?
Metal and hard rock players who appreciate modern ergonomics. If you’ve played Ibanez superstrats and want a Kramer alternative with genuine USA-made pickups and hardware, the Volante HH is your guitar. This also attracts players who prefer humbucker tones but want the comfort and playability of a superstrat body.
Intermediate to advanced players will appreciate the technical platform. Beginners will appreciate the straightforward controls and familiar layout.
The Dave Mustaine Vanguard 2026 Tour offers a different approach within the same Kramer family.
Comparison: Volante HH vs. Volante HSS vs. Nite-V
Volante HH: Superstrat body, HH humbuckers, thermally aged maple, hardtail. Modern metal machine.
Volante HSS: Superstrat body, HSS configuration, thermally aged maple. Maximum genre flexibility.
Nite-V: V-style body, two humbuckers, Floyd Rose. Aggressive visual statement, tremolo system.
The Volante HH is for metal players who want superstrat comfort. The Volante HSS is for players needing genre flexibility. The Nite-V is for players seeking visual aggression. Choose based on body comfort and tonal needs.
For another take on the Kramer formula, check out the Kramer Pacer Deluxe Collection.
Tone & Response
The lightweight alder body with humbuckers creates a tone that’s aggressive but articulate. No muddiness. No lost definition in high-gain settings. The thermally aged maple neck contributes to responsiveness—you feel every nuance of your picking.
The Neptune pickups are voiced for clarity. In the bridge position, you get aggression with definition. In the neck position, solos have singing sustain. The 3-way switch is simple—no complexity, no distractions.
The hardtail bridge ensures tuning stability through aggressive playing. Palm-muted chugging stays in tune. Dive bombs become non-existent, but your playing stays locked in pitch.
For a competing option, the Jackson Misha Mansoor Juggernaut HT6 targets a similar player at a comparable price point.
Pricing & Value
At $749–$949, the Volante HH is priced as a legitimate metal superstrat. You’re getting thermally aged maple, USA-made Neptune pickups, and professional-grade hardware at a price point that’s competitive with budget alternatives. Excellent value for the specification.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Superstrat body combines metal tone with modern comfort
- Thermally aged maple neck improves stability and resonance
- Neptune humbuckers deliver aggressive, articulate metal tones
- Lightweight alder body is responsive and clear
- Compound radius neck accelerates fast playing
- Hardtail bridge ensures tuning stability
- Simple 3-way switch is intuitive in live settings
- Excellent value for USA-made pickups and hardware
Cons:
- Hardtail bridge eliminates tremolo options
- Less genre flexibility than HSS models
- Two humbuckers mean darker tone profile (not ideal for bright styles)
- Higher price than budget metal alternatives
Bottom Line
The Kramer Volante HH is the metal player’s modern superstrat. Thermally aged maple, Neptune humbuckers, and professional hardware create a guitar that performs with authority. The superstrat body keeps you comfortable during long sessions. The hardtail bridge keeps you in tune. This is a guitar designed for metal players who refuse to sacrifice playability for tone.
Highly recommended for serious metal players seeking a modern platform with premium components.
The Charvel Super-Stock So-Cal Aged Arctic is a strong alternative from a rival brand.
FAQ
Why two humbuckers instead of the HSS option?
The Volante HH is designed for metal players who commit to humbucker tone. If you need genre flexibility, the Volante HSS offers five-way switching. The HH version assumes you know what you want.
Is the Volante HH good for blues or classic rock?
The tone is darker and more aggressive than ideal for those genres. The Volante HSS would be better for blues and classic rock. The HH is metal-focused by design.
What’s the weight of the Volante HH?
Lightweight alder keeps the weight in the 7.5–8.5 pound range. Exact weight varies by wood blank, but the design prioritizes comfort over traditional superstrat weight.
Can I coil-tap the Neptune humbuckers?
The Neptune humbuckers can be coil-tapped with a modification, but they’re not factory-configured for it. A skilled tech can add push-pull pots, but it’s a custom upgrade.