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Hagstrom Viking
Semi acoustic six string guitar


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Images taken from the 1966 and 1975 Hagstrom cataloguesHagstrom Viking V-1Hagstrom Viking V-2Hagstrom Viking V-1N
ModelViking V-1Viking V-2
(Deluxe)
Viking V-1N
(HG802 / Scandia)
Available1965-19721967-19681972-1975
PickupsTwo single coilTwo single coilTwo humbuckers
Scale24 3/4"
BodyBound body. Dimensions: 18 1/2" X 16 1/4" X 1 3/4"Bound body and f-holes. Flamed maple and spruceBound birch
NeckRosewood fingerboard, dot inlays. Fender-style headstockEbony fingerboard, block inlays. Bound neck and Fender-style headstock.Birch neck with rosewood fingerboard, dot inlays. Bound, new-shape headstock with plain inlay
HardwareTwo volume and tone controls, pickup selector switch, chrome plated hardwareTwo volume and tone controls, pickup selector switch, gold plated hardwareTwo volume and tone controls, pickup selector switch, 3-way tone switch, chrome plated hardware. Van Ghent tuners.
OptionsHagstrom Bigsby vibrato (model VB-1)Hagstrom Bigsby vibrato (model VB-2) 
FinishesMahogany sunburst, Golden mahogany sunburst, cherry redNatural, sunburst, cherry

Hagstrom Viking from the 1964 Selmer catalogue
Hagstrom Viking from the 1964 Selmer catalogue
The Hagstrom Viking was manufactured from 1964 - a two pickup guitar very much in the style of a Gibson ES335 or Guild Starfire, however structurally quite different. With its bolt-on neck, hollow body (no central block) and Fender style headstock it is actually more akin to other guitars such as the Fender Coronado (although it precedes this model by several years).

The late sixties saw the introduction of a short-lived deluxe model, the Viking 2 - famously played by Elvis Presley during his '68 come back performance. Functionally identical, however with finer trim; gold plated hardware, bound neck, body headstock and f-holes, ebony fingerboard with block inlays.

Shortly after the discontinuation of the V-2, the V-1 model was redesigned to have humbucker pickups, three way tone switch, and a new Hagstrom headstock. This was designated V-1N, or during Ampegs tenure as US distributor, the Scandia or HG802.

Finally from 1978 the model reverted to its original name - simply the Viking, however it kept its humbucking pickups, but now gaining a Fleur de Lys headstock inlay, and the central maple block of the Gibson ES guitars.

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Hagstrom Swede Electric Guitar
Hagstrom Swede Electric Guitar

When their production stopped in 1983, Hagstrom guitars became instant collectors items. For decades they maintained their market value so well that Hagstrom resumed production in 1996 to rave reviews. The Swede electric guitar is one of their most cherished models, reborn with a mahogany body, carved mahogany top, set mahogany neck, bound Resinator fretboard, and 2 Hagstrom Custom '58 humbuckers for the classic tone that made Hagstrom famous. Hagstrom's patented H-Expander truss rod prevents twisting as well as warpage. 5-ply top binding, pearl block inlays, and chrome hardware provide sharp visuals

Hagstrom Viking Electric Guitar
Hagstrom Viking Electric Guitar

The Hagstrom Viking Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitar covers all genres from blues/rock to jazz/fusion and back again. With an arched semi-hollow maple body, its looks are as sweet as its tone. Two Hagstrom humbuckers, combined with the resonant semi-hollow body, provide plenty of power. And no Hagstrom is complete without their famous, fast-playing neck. The Viking has the patented H-Expander truss rod which provides tension at either end and runs the entire length of the neck. The rigid yet lightweight alloy truss rod allows for very low action and a thin set maple neck