General
If you were put off buying a semi-acoustic guitar because you didn't want to play an instrument with a thick neck or because you wanted to play more than just jazz or blues, then Hagstrom's Super Viking is for you. This semi-acoustic has a scale length of 25.5 inches. That's the same type of neck you find on a modern Strat, which makes this model just as versatile. What's more, the Super Viking's construction has been specially designed to counteract howling, which makes it suitable for genres like metal as well as cleaner jazz styles.
Super Viking: electronics & construction
Both of the humbucker pickups have their own tone control and can function as single-coils, giving you no less than 11 different combinations. Naturally, the pickup switch allows you to mix the sound from both pickups too. The high-gloss body on this semi-acoustic model is made of Canadian maple, as is the neck. When it comes to the fretboard, Hagstrom uses a wood composite known as Resinator which has similar sound characteristics to high-quality ebony and plays a major part in producing the distinctive Hagstrom sound.
Hagstrom: a Swedish legend
Hagstrom has been around since 1925. It began as a manufacturer of accordions but began producing acoustic steel-string and classical guitars as far back as the 1940s. In 1958, it produced its first electric guitar. Rather than churn out similar models to everyone else, Hagstrom concentrated on producing their own unique designs and quickly gained fans like Frank Zappa and Elvis Presley who appreciated the quality and sound of these special instruments. When production stopped in 1982, the price of old Hagstrom models quickly rose to unaffordable levels. Fortunately, production started again in 2005, meaning that owning your very own Hagstrom is once again in reach.
Body