Here for sale we have a Hagstrom HG 803 Swede vintage electric guitar in Cherry finish. Made in Sweden, the serial number indicates that this instrument was made as part of Hagstrom's '77-'78 production run. A bolt-on construction is employed, using Hagstrom's patented H-rod system. The body and neck are made from solid Mahogany, with a 22 fret Ebony fingerboard. This guitar is fitted with Chrome hardware including a Duesenberg Les Trem II tremolo tailpiece, Tune-O-Matic style bridge and Hagstrom tuning machines. A pair of Hagstrom humbucking pickups are fitted and are wired to a 3-way pickup toggle, 3-way tone toggle and independent volume and tone controls.
The Mahogany neck plays very well, with what might be described as a slim 'D' profile that sits comfortably in the hand and provides easy reach in all registers. The neck is broad enough to provide a substantial grip for chords whilst remaining slim enough for lead lines and articulate playing. The Ebony fingerboard is luxurious under the fingers, and with it's 12" radius provides a smooth and consistent playing surface right the way up the register. The single cutaway body design offers improved access to the upper frets, whilst the controls are set out with in easy reach without intruding on the playing experience.
Sonically, the Hagstrom HG803 Swede covers a lot of bases. The neck pickup is round and creamy, delivering both power and clarity for your solo tones, The bridge is brighter and offers an excellent platform for rock rhythm sounds. The tone switch offers 3 distinct voices ranging from a dark and moody tone that would be at home as part of a jazz ensemble right through to searing brightness that will catapult you to the front of the mix. This is a very versatile guitar with serious vintage-mojo at a wallet-friendly price point.
Please be aware that for international buyers import fees are not included in our postage and packaging cost, this only covers the cost of the guitar being sent to you. Import fees will be charged by Customs upon the guitar's arrival in the recipient country. Due to Brexit, this also applies to EU buyers. We advise checking the total import cost with Customs as this is not information we are able to accurately provide.
Hagstrom HG 803 Swede Cherry c.1978 Vintage Electric Guitar
Brand - Hagstrom
Model - HG 803 Swede
Finish - Cherry
Year - 1978
Made In - Sweden
Body - Mahogany
Neck - Mahogany
Fingerboard - Ebony
Fingerboard Radius - 12"
Frets - 22
Scale Length- 24.75"
Nut Width - 1.76"
Pickups - 2x Hagstrom Humbuckers
Controls - 3-Way Tone Toggle, 3-Way Pickup Toggle, Neck Volume, Neck Tone, Bridge Volume, Bridge Tone
Our ID: 10201247927
Weight: 9.7lbs
Serial Number: 53 021534
Aesthetic Condition:
Headstock: Overall very good condition. The top edge demonstrates moderate indentation and chipping of the finish. This reveals the wood beneath in places. The front face demonstrates light yet consistent scratching. The binding and logo display yellowing, typical for a guitar of this age.
Neck: Overall good condition. The rear of the neck demonstrates moderate indentations in various spots across the register, which can be somewhat felt underneath the thumb in playing position, but do not detract from the overall playability of the instrument. The fingerboard demonstrates some chip repair in places that occurred during a previous re-fret. All work has been completed to a professional standard and provides excellent playability.
Body: Overall very good condition. All aspects of the body demonstrate age related markings, alongside scratching and indentation typical of an instrument that has been played over the years. These markings are consistent yet will not worsen through regular use. The binding to the treble side cutaway has come away slightly, but appears stable currently.
Condition of Frets:
This guitar has had a recent re-fret and as such demonstrates minimal markings with considerable material remaining.
Current Set Up:
Truss Rod Condition: Fully functional and adjustable. Truss rod tool (3/16" hex) not included.
Hardware Condition: Fully functional with light signs of wear. The original stopbar tailpiece has been replaced with a vibrola tailpiece, the original is not included. The switch tips have been replaced by the previous owner, the original switch tips are not included. The truss rod cover has been replaced, the original is not included.
Structural Condition: No concerns or issues to note.
Height of the string from the 12th Fret- Treble 1.5mm - Bass 2.5mm
Please be aware that the action on a guitar may move slightly in transit and this measurement is the current height.
This super swede is in excellent condition considering its age, with surprisingly good hardware condition and only one minor binding issue.
Strings on Guitar - 10-46
Electrics:
Full working order. The volume pots have a very sharp taper, which is typical of these older Hagstrom guitars. The pickup selectors have been replaced, the original selectors are not included.
Case & Accessories:
Moulded hard case.
The case demonstrates moderate signs of use. The locking latch locks when engaged and does not have the correct key included. We have left this latch open to ensure the guitar is accessible.