Hagstrom - Cult Guitars - A UK based Appreciation!
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Hagstrom bass and SuperSwede
What an amazing site!
I have 2 Hagstoms which I bought new and would like some further info on. Perhaps you could give me some more precise info on these..?
One is a Hagstrom bass s/n 711117. I bought it new in very early '70's, as I recall.
The other is a Super Swede s/n 53 078049 - bought new in 81 or 82?
I also own a '76 Fender precision, which I also bought new in 1976. After getting that P-bass I put away the Hag bass and never touched it again for many years (decades!)
I recently hauled the Hag out of its case and re-experienced that wonderful super fast neck!! After cleaning up the switches a bit, I decided to plug it into my DAW and see how it would record. Man, what tone! I got it to sound very close to a stand-up bass too.
I also love my Super Swede and have been thinking about changing out the original pick-ups to some Gibson Burstbuckers or Classics. However, I find I really like the original p/u's on my Swede. So, if anyone has done a p/u swap out on a Swede, could you please tell me what you thought of the results and which pick-ups you put on..
Thanks.
Re: Hagstrom bass and SuperSwede
Hi Clem,
Serial number 711117 is from series 711- and the bass model is a Hagstrom II B manufactured 1967-69 in a total of 932 units. Yours is number 117, so it was probably made in 1967 or 1968.
Serial number 53 078049 is from series (53) 078- and the guitar model is a Hagstrom Super Swede, manufactured 1983 in a total of 250 units. Yours is number 049.
Regarding the PUs. It is always best to preserve the guitar in its original manufactured condition. In this case you happen to have a unit from the last documented series that was built in Sweden, so your should be diligent and take very good care of the guitar.
If you choose to swap out the PUs, then don't make any changes to the original guitar or any parts. It is imperative to save and maintain everything you took off and make sure you can find it in 24 years, when the guitar turns 50.
ATL 
Re: Hagstrom bass and SuperSwede
Arthur
Thank you so much for all that info. I think I did get that bass around '69..I think it might have been a high school graduation present. ( that's dating me, eh!?)
As for the Swede, your advice is well taken and much appreciated.
Btw - someone local is selling a 1970 HIIN guitar for $475(Canadian)...it looks in very good shape except it is missing the trem bar.
Is this a fair price for this particular Hagstom?
Thanks.
Re: Hagstrom bass and SuperSwede
Clem,
475 Canadian Dollars = 389 US Dollars
That sounds like an average price. Remember that the value will depend on the model, condition, modifications, playability, any extras, like a case, etc.
A new replica tremolo bar is $20 USD on ebay.
ATL
Re: Hagstrom bass and SuperSwede
Clem,
if you ever want to sell your Super Swede, please drop me a line.
As Manfred stated please do NOT alter this guitar as it will lose value for sure. The original Pups sound great so I would not change it.
If you like the Gibson sound buy a Gibson and sell the Super Swede. (to me please :-))
Re: Hagstrom bass and SuperSwede
Nice try Benjamin....