Mid 70's Hagstrom Swede

[GuitarsCanada]

Here is another example of pawn shop prowess. Picked this one up about 5 years ago out of Michigan. Mid 70's Hagstrom Swede. it is in fabulous condition. Got it for around $350 CDN at the time.

http://www.guitarscanada.com/images/Hagstrom back.JPG
http://www.guitarscanada.com/images/Hagstrom swede full.JPG
http://www.guitarscanada.com/images/Hagstrom Swede.JPG

[SCREEM]

damn, what a find. I guess when they looked it up in their little book for a price and it wasn't there, or they gave some shmo 50 bucks for it :D

[GuitarsCanada]

I don't think I have ever seen one of these that did not have a broken pick-up mounting ring though. they were notorious for that.

[Lester B. Flat]

I had "the use" of one of those about 30 years ago thought it was a great guitar and really well built. I could do without the "Gumby" headstock though. You got a deal.

[imbackagain2]

wow are those good guitars? I noticed they're starting to run adds in guitar world. Pat smear from nirvana/foo fighters plays one

[GuitarsCanada]

wow are those good guitars? I noticed they're starting to run adds in guitar world. Pat smear from nirvana/foo fighters plays one

Not sure the recent re-incarnation would be the same guitars. Not sure where they are being built either.

[zao_89]

Wow, great guitar.

[big frank]

The new Hags are built in China.
Is there anything they can't do?

[zao_89]

The new Hags are built in China.
Is there anything they can't do?

Probably not..

[dwagar]

I always thought the old Hagstoms had a great neck/fretboard action.

[big frank]

Yes Hagstroms have wonderful necks.
Inside is an aluminum I-beam and thats what allowed the Swedish Craftsmen to make them so thin.
I know, lots of guitarists like a big fat rounded neck; but not me.
I have a 66/67 Hagstrom Viking with the "Kings Neck" as the old decals used to proclaim.
Hagstrom ads used to boast "fastest neck in the world".
However, I beleive the Swede Necks are a little bigger.
Is that true?

[bryanjetboy]

I always thought that Hagstrom's had an excellent
headstock design. Very classy :D

What does the second toggle switch do?
Coil split/tap maybe?

[Mahogany Martin]

That's a nice looking guitar actually. Was paying $350 a steal? And yes, what is the other switch for?

[GuitarsCanada]

That's a nice looking guitar actually. Was paying $350 a steal? And yes, what is the other switch for?

On the Swede you have the 3 position PUP selector switch and a 3 position tone switch. They made a limited number of Super Swede's that also had a coil tapping switch. Yes, the $350 was a deal. For an original Swede you would be looking at $600 plus. The Super Swedes are rare and command a premium.

[bryanjetboy]

How does that tone position switch work?

[GuitarsCanada]

I am not sure how the wiring was set-up but it clearly made a difference in the output. Almost like using a phaser or flanger.

[YaReMi]

Always wanted to have one. In 1978, when I still lived in Eestern Europe, I was visiting Helsinki with 500 USD in my pocket for one guitar. Every gtr store had Swedes and they looked so tempting. The Swede had a very good reputation already then (jazz dude Larry Coryell played one) but at the end I went for a Stratocaster - 78, hardtail, r/w neck (500 wasn't enough for tremolo or maple neck). I still have the Strat, all original, and love it despite all the bad rap they get from all over.
I still keep checking eBay for Swedes, missed a chance to get a Superswede body and neck "project" recently.
I love your Swede, congratulations!

[davetcan]

Always wanted to have one. In 1978, when I still lived in Eestern Europe, I was visiting Helsinki with 500 USD in my pocket for one guitar. Every gtr store had Swedes and they looked so tempting. The Swede had a very good reputation already then (jazz dude Larry Coryell played one) but at the end I went for a Stratocaster - 78, hardtail, r/w neck (500 wasn't enough for tremolo or maple neck). I still have the Strat, all original, and love it despite all the bad rap they get from all over.
I still keep checking eBay for Swedes, missed a chance to get a Superswede body and neck "project" recently.
I love your Swede, congratulations!

It's about time you showed up :food-smiley-004:

[YaReMi]

Dave, did you know I was from "Eestern" Europe?

[PaulS]

That's a cool looking guitar, nice find....

[GuitarsCanada]

Sold that one, wish I had not. Very tough to find them now. When you do they want an arm and a leg for it.