NAMM Preview: Hagstrom Guitars Return

Super Swede Reissue Headstock

American Music & Sound (AM&S) will be offering attendees a preview of the newly revived Hagstrom line of electric and acoustic guitars at the 2004 NAMM Summer Session. Over one dozen prototype models of the reissued classic brand, including the Swede, Super Swede, Viking, De Luxe, and Jimmy.

Many original Hagstrom models employed a patented 'H' expander-stretcher made of a rigid alloy that allowed for a very low action and thin neck, and made for very fast playing. All reissued models will feature the original Hagstrom fast playing neck and all electric models will additionally feature the original 'H' expander. The reissued models will feature fretboards manufactured from Diamondwood, a revolutionary wood-composite material.

Originally manufactured in Sweden between 1958 and 1981, Hagstrom guitars continue to enjoy a devoted following worldwide. Hagstrom once estimated that some 800,000 musicians had played their guitars, including Elvis Presley, Frank Zappa, Bjorn Ulveus (ABBA), Bryan Ferry (Roxy Music), David Bowie, ZZ Top, Jimi Hendrix and Noel Redding, Steve Hackett and Mike Rutherford (Genesis), and the Beatles. Current aficionados include Aerosmith, Franz Ferdinand, and The Kills.