Karl Hammel Jr. is an American musician best known for his contributions to the surf rock genre during the 1960s. His musical style melds traditional rock elements with the distinctive, reverb-heavy guitar sound that characterizes surf rock. Hammel's work, particularly his instrumental compositions, played a significant role in popularizing this genre outside its California heartland. Despite his relative obscurity, Hammel's influence can be traced in the sound of many later surf rock bands, attesting to his importance in the history of this music style.