Hello from Abbotsford, BC

[shiva]

Hey all, just joined and brand new to G.A.S but seem to have it real bad. Pretty new guitar player, my son wanted one, and got me to learn with him. Kids are so expensive... :)

Nice to find a Canadian forum as well. Expect the odd stupid question from me every once in a while, till I learn guitar speak, but it's nice to get a opinion from someone other than a salesperson.

Just started with the gear, Kid and I have matching Ibanezs, his blue, mine black but I just got a Hagstrom Select Swede, so I guess the kid just got 2 Ibanez guitars.

If you haven't seen it, I have some pics up:
http://www.esnips.com/web/HagstromSelectSwede

Anyone else have a Hag Select? Bit scarce up here, but it's already my second child. ;)

[Geek]

Hi neighbor, welcome! :smile:

[WEEZY]

hey neighbors!

I like the new Hagstroms - just curios: where did you purchase it?

Welcome to the forum!

[GuitarsCanada]

I had an original Swede. One I should have kept. Very well made guitar. Have not tried out any of the new generation.

Welcome aboard. :wave:

[shiva]

Ended up through the states with a dealer there for a display model. All my guitars for some reason came right off the rack, though this one was set up before shipping and came in the factory box. Don't think the local guys would be able to do the prices here, and they are very expensive. This one just fell in my lap at the right time, was going to get a swede. Was looking at lamusic, seem to have the best prices, but I'm sure some bigger chains that are dealers would match.

I'm eyeing a couple more hags as well. sigh...

Love the hag. Vintage boys may turn their noses up at a Chinese guitar, but to be honest, I've seen worse build from big name US guitars that cost more at my local guitar stores. Plays great, like on glass. The necks are awesome. Heavy puppy though. Very good construction, tone and sustain are way better to my ears at least. Stock Pickups, and sound very nice.

People say they are very Vintage in sound. I'm pretty sure when friends come over, this is the one they will pick up and start playing. (I share my toys...) When they do visit, I will get their comments, maybe I will write up a review and toss it up on my webspace.

[Spikezone]

Hey, welcome from Port Alberni!
-Mikey

[bobb]

hey neighbors!

I like the new Hagstroms - just curios: where did you purchase it?

Welcome to the forum!

Deep Cove Music in North Van usually has a good stock of Hagstroms if you're looking to try one.

[Hotrod]

Was at Deep Cove this past week...and to Sound of Music in Abby...Looking at the Hagstroms too....great value it seems....Havent seen too much difference in prices between the 2 or even on line for that matter.

[WEEZY]

For those who come to Vancouver for gear, here's a hidden little gem:

A1 Pawnbrokers at 11th Ave and Commercial Drive. Half of the shop is a pawn shop, the other half is a music shop run by a guy named Mike. He's licensed to sell BOSS (he has them all), Godin (& Seagull), Hagstrom, Hamer and his own line of guitars (and amps): Prestige. His prices for BOSS pedals are by far the lowest in the city and he always swallows the tax. He currently has a bunch of new Hags and is constantly getting new stuff in. His prices for Seagulls are also by far the lowest I've seen anywhere. Definitely worth a look if you're looking to buy some gear here. He's moving to a new store in the Fall, there's no way I'm missing his clearance sale!!

[thechamp96@hotmail.c]

Cool... I just moved to Vancouver, I'll have to check out A1.

I went down to the new L&M over the weekend and was pretty impressed with the size/selection there.

[Geek]

A1 Pawnbrokers at 11th Ave and Commercial Drive.

I've driven past that one a zillion tmes. Now I just have to take time out of my day and go in :D

[shiva]

Have to do the same. Hmm, a Hag D2F on clearance, there would be a concept...

Boy, buying this stuff is so addictive. Amazing what I have managed to grab in 3 months...
Poor kid just rolls his eyes at me now.

[WEEZY]

RE: A1 Pawn Shop

The owner (or the guy that runs the music shop side) is named Mike - he's a great guy. You might have seen his posts on craigslist (http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/msg/763886618.html)or seen his auctions on ebay - he has a side company called Acemate. He lets me take home pedals to try out without any money or collateral! I have been a very good customer for many years so I'm sure that's why.

The only downside is that there's really no room to try out instruments, it's a pawn-shop set-up - that's why he's opening his own shop somewhere else in the Fall. But his prices can't be beat and he has a great selection. This is his guitar company, Prestige. (http://www.prestigeguitars.com). He's sold Prestige's to Neil Young, Kelly Clarkson and lots more celebs apparently.

[shiva]

Will have to check that out. :)

Well, my friend finally got to play the Hag. He has 2 very high end Gibsons, plus 10 other guitars or so. He was very impressed, considering the Hag was 20 percent of the cost of his gibson. He already tried to get it off me so he can take it home to "evaluate" on his full stacks. :)

He said it was very close to the feel, and was very comfortable. Couldn't believe it was made in china, couldn't believe I picked it up for 500. I told him Gibsons have taken a step back, and gotten a bit over priced. I asked him about upgrades, he said don't touch a thing.

I decided since I have to pay him back for getting me involved with all of this madness, that every guitar I get in future will be like my baby. Michael Kelly, Godin... If Rondo ever stopped with the UPS and actually used someone other than UPS that doesn't charge excessive fees, I would jump at it. Would be better if they had a Canadian dealer of course.