I have this bass, it has a body made of laminated 1 inch strips, and from the appearance of things is all original from 1963, the switches have the typical worn off tops, and are in need of replacement. I would like to know more about the bass, as I do not think many guitars in 1963 were of laminated body design as well as anyone who can tell me where to find these switches.

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click the photo above to see the page these photos are on.

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I am interested in restoring it to complete condition, I got the approximate year off of a hag site a year or so ago, but cannot seem to find it again to verify for certain the year and serial match, so any help is appreciated. I would be selling it when it is finished, it does have the pink undercoated primer mentioned, but apparently, has been stained, at least on the headstock, and the body needs sealing again, but I wish to tackle the switch issue first.
offers may be considered if the price is right, and shipping would be simple, in a box, and well protected.

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I just found out it is a 66 or 67, but I am still questioning the laminated body, which you can see in the photos.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/anekretia/DSC00101.jpg

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Didn't you sell me a '65 H-II last year?
To answer your questions, vintage Hags had a polyester finish, compared to Fenders polyuretane finish. Your pics looks like the original finish has been removed and stained clear. Can you tell what stain/finish is on it now? Curious what wood they used, some say mahogony. Doesn't look like it to me.
You can get those switches at Radio Shack, the heavy duty dpdt sliders. Don't let the name fool you, had to replace mine. You'll need some 2/56 nuts to fasten to the original switch screws, and trim the switches as the body cavity is only 5/8 deep.
Or you can go the hassle free route and go here
http://www.hagstrom.org.uk/spares_hagstrom_uk.htm
but wait for shipping...
Here's the wiring if you want to restore it back to original sound
http://www.hagstrom.org.uk/Schematics/HagstromSchematics.htm
I noticed in the schems the H-IB doesn't have an on/off while the H-IIB does. I use to have that page bookmarked with all the serial numbers, guess they updated the site.
Let me know the serial number if you can.
Good Luck
Christo

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I do have the serial, 6 digits, first set of three is in the 700s and second set of three is in the 600s i believe, ill have to find the number plate, seems my girl moved that container. it is clear coated, and peeling, and there is stain on the headstock, and it does resemble a hardwood like mahogany. I have not yet sanded anything or taken it apart further than the photos. I did get the new switches from radio shack, everything else seems to be intact and functional.

I have not yet sold a hagstrom, so I doubt I sold you one last year, lol but I do restore and sell old guitars. The thing that throws me so much on this one, is the body being laminated in 1 inch sections across the body in line with the neck. I have not seen a hag laminated, much less any earlier guitars like this. so I am wondering if it was a special order or something.

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Found some other pics of unfinished '60s Hags and they have the same, strips of wood instead of a solid body.
Can't tell if it was the stain, but one did look mahogony.
I can sort of make out the strips on the back of mine in good light. In the '66 Hag catalouges, it describes it having a 'thin body double cut away'.
Don't forget to measure the switches before installing them.
good luck
Christo

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The strips of wood will be Birch. The resin between strips actually enhances the tone. Not to say a solid one piece is a bad thing (of course), it's just Hagstrom doing all knids of things along the way..

seasons greetings,

David

Alright, birch. I searched and searched this site, and others for that tidbit of info.

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643787 is the serial number . . .

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643 is from the Hagstrom De Luxe line from '65.
1000 were made that year.
Weird, Hagstrom made three batches of De Luxes in '65, 2000 in total. De Luxes were only made that year too.

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kool, I guess now I can move forward with restoration. I plan to not coat it at all, it has a beauty of its own, but it will be clean and pristine when it is finished.
I would sell it now if the price is right, buyer pays shipping, it will all fir nicely into a box now. It is one of a few projects.

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