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1960s Hagstrom Viking I Vintage Electric Guitar Sunburst Sweden w/ Bigsby & ohc
Estimated price for orientation: 1 399 $
Category: Hagstrom Vintage
Class:
Description Dexterity: Right-Handed Model: Viking I String Configuration: 6 String MPN: Does Not Apply Brand: Hagstrom Exact Year: 1960s Body Type: Semi-Hollow Country/Region of Manufacture: Sweden UPC: Does not apply
Up for sale, a 1960's Hagstrom Viking I in 100% original, near mint condition and in perfect working order. As Hagstrom's premier semi-hollowbody instrument, this Viking has an elegant look and clean lines reminiscent of a Gibson 335 or Trini Lopez (given the six on a side headstock). Very similar in both era and features to the guitar played by Elvis on the Comeback Special, this Viking is also notable for having a very rare Bigsby vibrato, made exclusively for Hagstrom! The tone is very round and clear, with both sinewy, twangy snap and warm, wooly low end. While the bridge pickup is chimey and bright without being brittle, the neck position has great oomph and fullness while maintaining clarity. Both pickups balance well in terms of output, and perhaps the best sounds come from this Viking when both pickups are engaged and the neck pickup is rolled off slightly to maintain a crisp, percussive edge. Weighing in at 6lbs 10oz, this Hagstrom is very easy on the back, and even when strummed acoustically the sound is sweet and vibrant. We've had this Hagstrom professionally setup here at our shop, Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, and the instrument boasts fresh 11-50 nickel strings, low action, and solid intonation.The neck is Hagstrom's famous "King's Neck" which refers to the slender and easy to play profile, with their "Expander Stretcher" truss rod. The profile is very slim and fast with original frets that retain their full, original height. The guitar shows virtually no fretwear, the neck is very straight, and the action can be set quite low without any buzzing or dead spots. Given the very flat fretboard radius, bending notes is also a breeze, and the plain strings sing out in the higher registers, sustaining clearly even when bending beyond a full step. The binding on the fretboard is original and clean as well. The nut is original and measures 1 5/8" in width. On the headstock, the original tuning machines are intact, turn smoothly, and hold pitch as they should, and the original "Hagstrom" waterslide decal is complete and present as well. These decals were far more fragile than the waterslides used by Fender and other manufacturers, so finding one that is complete is a true rarity.All of the electronics work as they should, with individual Volume and Tone controls for each pickup wired to a three-way pickup selector switch. It's also worth noting that the tone controls work in reverse of most instruments, with maximum bass response when turned up, and optimal treble cut when dialed back. All of the knobs turn smoothly and without static. Both pickups are the original single coils, before Hagstrom made the switch to the "N" suffix model with humbuckers in the late '60s. In terms of hardware, all of the original parts are present, including the thick beveled pickguard with sliver pinstriping, the stock floating bridge, witch hat knobs with original chrome caps, and of course the rare Bigsby vibrato with the custom made baseplate featuring the Hagstrom name and "H." This vibrato works very smoothly with its original spring and is very useful for quick shimmies and subtle surfy dives without affecting tuning stability. The neck plate retains the original serial number and clean chrome plating.Cosmetically, this guitar is near mint and stunningly well kept, with a rich and unfaded sunburst finish that shows virtually no checking. There are a few tiny finish chips on the edge of the headstock, and a couple nicks on the back just south of the neck plate that don't penetrate the finish. The nickel plating on the bridge saddles and Bigsby vibrato also shows faint surface patina. This wear is of course extremely minimal and this Viking is a collector-grade example, and the cleanest we've ever seen.This is an original vintage Hagstrom, made in Sweden, and not to be confused with the newer reissues, which don't even come close to the real thing!The original form-fit black textured chipboard case is included. A bit more heavy duty than most chipboard cases and in astounding condition with a plush gold interior, this case is a perfect companion for the Viking, and has original latches and handle.Please check out our shop "Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar" on the web, and feel free to call us directly with any questions at 206.399.8518.Shipping in the continental USA will be $60, fully insured and shipped via FedEx Ground. Expedited shipping is available for an additional fee at buyer's request. We will happily ship WORLDWIDE, but please contact us for an accurate international shipping quote before bidding or buying, as cost varies by buyer location.
International orders will be declared as “merchandise,” and the value of merchandise will be declared as the amount paid. We cannot declare anything as a gift or for a lesser value. No exceptions! The customer is responsible for all taxes and duty, which may be collected upon delivery, as well as any additional charges involved with import.We do our best to describe all items with honesty and accuracy, but to be sure, please contact us with any questions or concerns prior to bidding or buying. We require payment within 48 hours of auction end. In the unlikely event of a return, buyer pays all shipping costs. Your positive feedback and five star ratings are very important to us, and we appreciate your communication in resolving any issues!
Description
| Dexterity: | Right-Handed | Model: | Viking I |
| String Configuration: | 6 String | MPN: | Does Not Apply |
| Brand: | Hagstrom | Exact Year: | 1960s |
| Body Type: | Semi-Hollow | Country/Region of Manufacture: | Sweden |
| UPC: | Does not apply |
Up for sale, a 1960's Hagstrom Viking I in 100% original, near mint condition and in perfect working order. As Hagstrom's premier semi-hollowbody instrument, this Viking has an elegant look and clean lines reminiscent of a Gibson 335 or Trini Lopez (given the six on a side headstock). Very similar in both era and features to the guitar played by Elvis on the Comeback Special, this Viking is also notable for having a very rare Bigsby vibrato, made exclusively for Hagstrom! The tone is very round and clear, with both sinewy, twangy snap and warm, wooly low end. While the bridge pickup is chimey and bright without being brittle, the neck position has great oomph and fullness while maintaining clarity. Both pickups balance well in terms of output, and perhaps the best sounds come from this Viking when both pickups are engaged and the neck pickup is rolled off slightly to maintain a crisp, percussive edge. Weighing in at 6lbs 10oz, this Hagstrom is very easy on the back, and even when strummed acoustically the sound is sweet and vibrant. We've had this Hagstrom professionally setup here at our shop, Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, and the instrument boasts fresh 11-50 nickel strings, low action, and solid intonation.The neck is Hagstrom's famous "King's Neck" which refers to the slender and easy to play profile, with their "Expander Stretcher" truss rod. The profile is very slim and fast with original frets that retain their full, original height. The guitar shows virtually no fretwear, the neck is very straight, and the action can be set quite low without any buzzing or dead spots. Given the very flat fretboard radius, bending notes is also a breeze, and the plain strings sing out in the higher registers, sustaining clearly even when bending beyond a full step. The binding on the fretboard is original and clean as well. The nut is original and measures 1 5/8" in width. On the headstock, the original tuning machines are intact, turn smoothly, and hold pitch as they should, and the original "Hagstrom" waterslide decal is complete and present as well. These decals were far more fragile than the waterslides used by Fender and other manufacturers, so finding one that is complete is a true rarity.All of the electronics work as they should, with individual Volume and Tone controls for each pickup wired to a three-way pickup selector switch. It's also worth noting that the tone controls work in reverse of most instruments, with maximum bass response when turned up, and optimal treble cut when dialed back. All of the knobs turn smoothly and without static. Both pickups are the original single coils, before Hagstrom made the switch to the "N" suffix model with humbuckers in the late '60s. In terms of hardware, all of the original parts are present, including the thick beveled pickguard with sliver pinstriping, the stock floating bridge, witch hat knobs with original chrome caps, and of course the rare Bigsby vibrato with the custom made baseplate featuring the Hagstrom name and "H." This vibrato works very smoothly with its original spring and is very useful for quick shimmies and subtle surfy dives without affecting tuning stability. The neck plate retains the original serial number and clean chrome plating.Cosmetically, this guitar is near mint and stunningly well kept, with a rich and unfaded sunburst finish that shows virtually no checking. There are a few tiny finish chips on the edge of the headstock, and a couple nicks on the back just south of the neck plate that don't penetrate the finish. The nickel plating on the bridge saddles and Bigsby vibrato also shows faint surface patina. This wear is of course extremely minimal and this Viking is a collector-grade example, and the cleanest we've ever seen.This is an original vintage Hagstrom, made in Sweden, and not to be confused with the newer reissues, which don't even come close to the real thing!The original form-fit black textured chipboard case is included. A bit more heavy duty than most chipboard cases and in astounding condition with a plush gold interior, this case is a perfect companion for the Viking, and has original latches and handle.
Please check out our shop "Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar" on the web, and feel free to call us directly with any questions at 206.399.8518.Shipping in the continental USA will be $60, fully insured and shipped via FedEx Ground. Expedited shipping is available for an additional fee at buyer's request. We will happily ship WORLDWIDE, but please contact us for an accurate international shipping quote before bidding or buying, as cost varies by buyer location.
International orders will be declared as “merchandise,” and the value of merchandise will be declared as the amount paid. We cannot declare anything as a gift or for a lesser value. No exceptions! The customer is responsible for all taxes and duty, which may be collected upon delivery, as well as any additional charges involved with import.We do our best to describe all items with honesty and accuracy, but to be sure, please contact us with any questions or concerns prior to bidding or buying. We require payment within 48 hours of auction end. In the unlikely event of a return, buyer pays all shipping costs. Your positive feedback and five star ratings are very important to us, and we appreciate your communication in resolving any issues!
International orders will be declared as “merchandise,” and the value of merchandise will be declared as the amount paid. We cannot declare anything as a gift or for a lesser value. No exceptions! The customer is responsible for all taxes and duty, which may be collected upon delivery, as well as any additional charges involved with import.We do our best to describe all items with honesty and accuracy, but to be sure, please contact us with any questions or concerns prior to bidding or buying. We require payment within 48 hours of auction end. In the unlikely event of a return, buyer pays all shipping costs. Your positive feedback and five star ratings are very important to us, and we appreciate your communication in resolving any issues!