For more gear reviews and videos check out guitarworld.com In this video Guitar World's gear editor Paul Riario demonstrates the features of the Hagstrom Viking guitar.
Holy crap, dude. That’s exactly the demo of these guitars I’ve been looking for. They do everything from jazz to rock -and apparently metal, too, lol. I have a ‘66 Viking, and have played their vintage 4-string and 8-string basses. Very, very good guitars, super-fast necks, absolutely beautiful tone, really nice builds, super under the radar. If you like a guitar that both purrs and sings, with lots of Mojo and without breaking the bank, Hagstrom is it.
This review is exactly what i was looking for .Because we all know that this guitar is good for blues or jazzy sound but to hear that it can rock with a distortion sound is a very valuable information .
Guys, this is a semisolid guitar. It means it has a solid block where the PU and the bridge goes, and chambered wings. The thing about this is that gives you part of the magic of the hollowbody guitars (more jazz oriented, altough it's not exlusive) with the stability in high volumes of the solid body. It not semi acoustic (off course, unplugged sound "bigger" than a solid one). This guitar rocks (and the neck is fab !)
Me too. In my experience, the Viking owns. Not only do they pay alot more attention to the neck and fretboard, but it's like the dude said, it's all in house. The only thing I'm considering doing to the Viking is adding a bigsby... but I'm not even entirely sure, whereas on any epiphone, you're almost guaranteed a pickup change. Atleast for me anyway. Adding a bigsby is cheaper than a new set of pickups, even if they were the same price.
The guitarist in my band just got one of these; it's pretty nice. The only drawback so far is, we recently played a gig on a very hot night, and he sweated all over it pretty bad and a few rust spots instantly appeared on that tailpiece. However kudos to Hagstrom, they replaced the tailpiece free of charge, so yeah they have good customer service too.
This guitar is so effin' versatile! I'm picking up the Deluxe version in two days, along with a VOX AC15C1... just in time for winter here in Canada... see ya in the spring!! ;)
I was speaking more specifically about the electrics, and also my point was that they aren't made outside of the U.S., but I didn't know that fact about the acoustics. Thanks.
@innerdeth I picked up a natural/blonde Viking Deluxe. You're right when you say there isn't much difference -- basically Canadian Flamed maple body (which is stunning!) and the mother of pearl fret inlays. For an extra $150, it was worth it! I will be swapping the PuPs out soon, however, as I find them a bit muddy.
I have one, replaced the pickups with Seymour Duncan Phat Cats, replaced the wiring and did some filing (frets and bridge), so it took some work but now its an awesome guitar.
I have the six string Hagstrom Viking and a 12 string as well. Definitely the best money I've ever spent on two guitars. I can't say enough positive things. If you are considering purchasing a Hagstrom Viking you won't be disappointed.
I was referring the warm tone that has come to define the jazz style for this instrument. I wanted to hear a tone that I could use in a jazz big band setting to comp on chords. I am looking for versatility in a hollowbody, and this review was unable to demonstrate a sound that is needed for me. This sentiment is clearly felt by many people who have commented on this video. Also, how dare you call me an idiot when you do not know my first name. i posted a very measured, respectful response.
I put a Duncan JB (bridge) and Phat Cat P90 (neck) in mine... it just smokes. But it can still get real purty like if I wanna. Also added a Bigsby trem. Love this guitar.
I just bought one and LOVE it. (You can get them cheap now if you dig a little.) The only thing I've swapped is the tune-o-matic for a Gotoh, which adds more clarity and consistency across the 'board. May swap the wiring for a Gibson USA set (the 3 way is wimpy.) The tuners are juust good enough to leave as is. Otherwise I might do a set of locking Grovers with Imperial buttons (to keep the vintage look.) A little neck-heavy, otherwise A+ guitar that keeps up with my USA's. Great neck.
Forums like reverb always try to talk negative about Hagstrom. But they are great guitars. I have a dark swede love this guitar. Great tone and fret board, very comfortable neck.
Love that headstock, very original. Great sound too. I just wish they would show or at least what amps and effects they're using. Otherwise it can make it pretty tricky. Love the overdriven neck sound.
Well, actually, 600 bucks, buy either way, I totally agree with you. This guitar by far one of the most versatile guitar I've heard of. Even if I DID have the money to buy a Gibson hollow body, I'd choose the viking all the way. I just wish they were easier to find...
wow, that's cool. I asked a local music store if they could order me one, but they said Hagstrom guitars were hard to get for some reason. THey used to be linked with Hagstrom, but they lost contact, or something.
Because the only two I noticed on the site were the Vikings (Both deluxe and regular, none with a bigsby), and the one with Soapbars, which I think is the Deluxe II. I'm not a fan of soapbars.
Hagstroms are sweet. I was blown away by the Select Swede with Golden Eagle finish so I bought it...a month later I had to have another Hagstrom so I bought the Ultralux Ultra Swede with Spalted Maple top. Sweet guitars...the only thing I didn't like about the Ultra Swede is that it didn't come with Seymour Duncans. THe Select Swede came with pearly gates and custom custom. Easily comparable to cheaper Gibsons and they blow away any Epiphone out there.
@gamemasterzoomzoomom You're probably aware that Pat Smear of the Foo Fighters frequently plays Hagstrom guitars. I have a new Viking and love it! I find it to be very versatile.
Guy's I'm thinking about buying this guitar but I need some answers to my quaestions if you will: Does this guitar sound that good or is he using high quality amps so it sounds better? What amps (low budget if possible) would suit best for this guitar? Can you play heavy stuff like metal on this? Considering it's a hollow body does it handle a lot of gain that well? Maybe I seem a bit picky about this but I've been saving money for ages and I don't want to waste it just on any guitar! Thanks! :)
Paul, love the demos, do you think you could profile the Amp and setings so we can see how the tone is being generated? Like, could I get this from an Epiphone? I think yes with the same amp.
I bought a Chinese Hag a few years ago and although it sounded and played great I found that the hardware (the bridge saddles and fret wire especially) wore out REALLY fast. My Gretsch Electromatic (also made in Asia) has held up far better.
Hello Guitar World, great guitar! I'm very interested in the Viking 12 string, but there are not much reviews or video's to see about this guitar, so I don't know if the choice I have to make is the right on. I'm doubting between this one and the Eastwood Classic DLX 12. This one has a lot of positive reviews. Can you help me out?
I have got a Viking Deluxe natural, ten I can confirm the sound abilities of this guitar. But, a simple question about this video: WHY the "f holes" are like classical instrument or Gibson/Guild while all the Hagstrom have a very different one? What kind/model of guitar is that?
If its anything like the late sixties Viking that I have then these may be the easiest to play guitars you will ever find,as well as the warmest if you can find a hollow one.
i've lost faith in the current Gibson and Fender models.they're way over priced and not the guitars that they once where.Would i buy a Hagstrom? yes.and it would be money well spent.
Regardless, Fenders and Gibsons sound better than any guitars on the market... Oh I just realized this was 10 years ago 😂 yeah you were right at the time. Fender, squier and Epiphone have all stepped their game up since then. Gibson, I'm not so sure about
Careful, you might cheat on your Epi/Gibson a lot more often than you currently think! My first Hagstrom (Ultra Swede) caused me to neglect _all_ of my other electrics......
@Italienstallion14 Well this guitar is a hollowbody, so it would sound more uplugged. It is also likely going to have a little more bite and a little less tone seing as the Les Paul is built generally for more rocky stuff than this one. Only other thing is that this guitar feels flimsier than the Les Paul because it's a hollowbody. It's not flimsier and can take just as much of a beating. But it feels flimsier. I personally like this guitar much better.
@SoberParty I don't know about that man. Maybe a better value, but definitely not a better guitar than a 335. I played one of these side by side with a 90s ES-335 and the Hagstrom felt like a toy compared to the 355, but then again the 335 cost about 4x as much so I would expect it too. I still feel as if Gibson are a bit overpriced, but you can definitely tell a Gibson 335 is more substantial than this cheaper alternative. With that said Im going to pickup a 1965 Viking I tomorrow
@TheSchoolsux345 well indees is a semi hollow, it maybe be something different (like the resonator "wood") and stuff, but is a semi, what difference could actually be? Still a 355 as you mention haves another tone system, plus expensier stuff... But if you gladly explain the differences (far from the vibrola or stereo plug, and the neck has i told just a few words ago) between semis i would aprecciate it.
(I know this an 11 year old question): Semi-hollow bodies have a solid woodblock running down the center under the pickups and bridge. Only the "wings" are "hollow". It helps cut down on feedback(a problem on electric full hollow bodies). "Full hollow bodies" are completely hollow like a violin or an acoustic guitar.
Holy crap, dude. That’s exactly the demo of these guitars I’ve been looking for. They do everything from jazz to rock -and apparently metal, too, lol. I have a ‘66 Viking, and have played their vintage 4-string and 8-string basses. Very, very good guitars, super-fast necks, absolutely beautiful tone, really nice builds, super under the radar. If you like a guitar that both purrs and sings, with lots of Mojo and without breaking the bank, Hagstrom is it.
This review is exactly what i was looking for .Because we all know that this guitar is good for blues or jazzy sound but to hear that it can rock with a distortion sound is a very valuable information .
man, when he sets the shred tone and starts playing, I can't comprehend mix of this guitar's looks and sound :O
I really enjoy Paul's guitar reviews, I've watched loads of them when trying to decide on guitars to buy. The Hagstrom Viking looks like a beauty.
By the end of the video I was just like, WTF? Dude is shredding on this, seemingly, old times jazz guitar. Amazing, I want one.
Guys, this is a semisolid guitar. It means it has a solid block where the PU and the bridge goes, and chambered wings. The thing about this is that gives you part of the magic of the hollowbody guitars (more jazz oriented, altough it's not exlusive) with the stability in high volumes of the solid body.
It not semi acoustic (off course, unplugged sound "bigger" than a solid one).
This guitar rocks (and the neck is fab !)
After seeing this review I have no need to look any further. That's a bad ass beauty! The hard rock tone was awesome and your playing as well.
Me too.
In my experience, the Viking owns. Not only do they pay alot more attention to the neck and fretboard, but it's like the dude said, it's all in house.
The only thing I'm considering doing to the Viking is adding a bigsby... but I'm not even entirely sure, whereas on any epiphone, you're almost guaranteed a pickup change. Atleast for me anyway. Adding a bigsby is cheaper than a new set of pickups, even if they were the same price.
You're right. I did some more research, and I found the viking tremar. I most likely will buy that. Thanks for the tip!
Pat Smear rocks the crap out of these things.
You're not wrong.
The guitarist in my band just got one of these; it's pretty nice. The only drawback so far is, we recently played a gig on a very hot night, and he sweated all over it pretty bad and a few rust spots instantly appeared on that tailpiece. However kudos to Hagstrom, they replaced the tailpiece free of charge, so yeah they have good customer service too.
This guitar is so effin' versatile! I'm picking up the Deluxe version in two days, along with a VOX AC15C1... just in time for winter here in Canada... see ya in the spring!! ;)
you can make any guitar sound any way at all as long as you have the right eq dialed in and the right distortion or effects...
Love my Hagstrom Viking … great guitar
that was a feedback from the amp, you can do it by cranking your gain up really wide, letting a note ring out and hold your guitar close to your amp
I was speaking more specifically about the electrics, and also my point was that they aren't made outside of the U.S., but I didn't know that fact about the acoustics. Thanks.
@innerdeth I picked up a natural/blonde Viking Deluxe. You're right when you say there isn't much difference -- basically Canadian Flamed maple body (which is stunning!) and the mother of pearl fret inlays.
For an extra $150, it was worth it! I will be swapping the PuPs out soon, however, as I find them a bit muddy.
I have one, replaced the pickups with Seymour Duncan Phat Cats, replaced the wiring and did some filing (frets and bridge), so it took some work but now its an awesome guitar.
I have the six string Hagstrom Viking and a 12 string as well. Definitely the best money I've ever spent on two guitars. I can't say enough positive things. If you are considering purchasing a Hagstrom Viking you won't be disappointed.
I was referring the warm tone that has come to define the jazz style for this instrument. I wanted to hear a tone that I could use in a jazz big band setting to comp on chords. I am looking for versatility in a hollowbody, and this review was unable to demonstrate a sound that is needed for me. This sentiment is clearly felt by many people who have commented on this video. Also, how dare you call me an idiot when you do not know my first name. i posted a very measured, respectful response.
super versatile, i'm definitly looking for one in the near future..
I mostly play Stoner rock/metal and i love semi-hollow body guitars, also i'm thinking about buying a Hagstrom Viking.
I put a Duncan JB (bridge) and Phat Cat P90 (neck) in mine... it just smokes. But it can still get real purty like if I wanna. Also added a Bigsby trem. Love this guitar.
Bought a used deluxe one of these today, fantastic guitar.
i love that solo setting
@Richards67 im fairly certain that hagstroms are hollow to about 40 mm below the bridge, unlike the gibsons "wings" but i could be wrong.
Very nice review and very good range of guitar playing skills both from the guitar and the player.
that hard rock gain is awesome on that guitar
I just bought one and LOVE it. (You can get them cheap now if you dig a little.) The only thing I've swapped is the tune-o-matic for a Gotoh, which adds more clarity and consistency across the 'board. May swap the wiring for a Gibson USA set (the 3 way is wimpy.) The tuners are juust good enough to leave as is. Otherwise I might do a set of locking Grovers with Imperial buttons (to keep the vintage look.) A little neck-heavy, otherwise A+ guitar that keeps up with my USA's. Great neck.
Forums like reverb always try to talk negative about Hagstrom. But they are great guitars. I have a dark swede love this guitar. Great tone and fret board, very comfortable neck.
@HungryJack3 True, Barrie Cadogan plays an ES335 for rock n roll, not to mention Angus Young played one before he stuck with his SG.
the treble pickup sound reminded me of a classic tele sound
Love that headstock, very original.
Great sound too. I just wish they would show or at least what amps and effects they're using. Otherwise it can make it pretty tricky. Love the overdriven neck sound.
@HungryJack3 Tigers Jaw (a pop-punk/indie band) also has a guitar player with a semi hollow! I loved your argument by the way!
I've seen it being used for rock/metal and sounded great
in gw's magazine I saw a hagstrom ad with Frank Zappa with the old version of this guitar and a picture of dweezil with the new one.
Well, actually, 600 bucks, buy either way, I totally agree with you. This guitar by far one of the most versatile guitar I've heard of. Even if I DID have the money to buy a Gibson hollow body, I'd choose the viking all the way. I just wish they were easier to find...
wow, that's cool. I asked a local music store if they could order me one, but they said Hagstrom guitars were hard to get for some reason. THey used to be linked with Hagstrom, but they lost contact, or something.
That guitar sounds AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!
Even if I have a Swede now, I will (hopefully) find a lefty Viking in Cologne next week when I´m there.
It looked like you could really get around on that neck. It sounded amazing :O
Because the only two I noticed on the site were the Vikings (Both deluxe and regular, none with a bigsby), and the one with Soapbars, which I think is the Deluxe II. I'm not a fan of soapbars.
Great demo!
Can you remember what effects you used during the heavy tones? Definitely had a "stereo" sound.
Thanks!!
I wouldn't even venture a guess.
It's pretty tight and warm, maybe some kind of Marshall. Maybe something with 6L6's in it... I'm not sure.
Hagstroms are sweet. I was blown away by the Select Swede with Golden Eagle finish so I bought it...a month later I had to have another Hagstrom so I bought the Ultralux Ultra Swede with Spalted Maple top. Sweet guitars...the only thing I didn't like about the Ultra Swede is that it didn't come with Seymour Duncans. THe Select Swede came with pearly gates and custom custom. Easily comparable to cheaper Gibsons and they blow away any Epiphone out there.
Good job Paul, your demos rock! I suggest you help Parker too coz the guy that demo the guitar seems like he is selling tvs.
Is this guitar something for me with small hands..? I love the Viking!
what a nice sound.
@gamemasterzoomzoomom You're probably aware that Pat Smear of the Foo Fighters frequently plays Hagstrom guitars. I have a new Viking and love it! I find it to be very versatile.
well, considering they dont make Starfire IVs anymore, i would argue yes, but im sure a lot of people would disagree
Wow! So stylish!! The bass version is also great! ;)
Which color sounds best for rock?
You made me laugh. Thank you
Blue
The old vintage Hagstrom "Baby blue" colour............ not ( - :
Black
black, white, natural/burst/grain and maybe pink or blue
was actually researching the bass but man thanks for the demo! -later
@yekshemesh4alig Plus ES335s are one of the most widely used guitars. I'd love to see metal players use these more often.
Wow! I fell for it! sounds sweet
Just picked one of these up from a private seller for $325. I was looking for a low-cost entry into semi-hollows...couldn't have asked for more.
I second the idea of reviewing the Hagstrom Deuce
That guitar is a pure beauty :)
Guy's I'm thinking about buying this guitar but I need some answers to my quaestions if you will:
Does this guitar sound that good or is he using high quality amps so it sounds better?
What amps (low budget if possible) would suit best for this guitar?
Can you play heavy stuff like metal on this?
Considering it's a hollow body does it handle a lot of gain that well?
Maybe I seem a bit picky about this but I've been saving money for ages and I don't want to waste it just on any guitar! Thanks! :)
@HungryJack3 I agree with you. I sometimes play metal on my Gretsch hollow body. If it sounds good, why not do it?
Paul, love the demos, do you think you could profile the Amp and setings so we can see how the tone is being generated? Like, could I get this from an Epiphone? I think yes with the same amp.
I bought a Chinese Hag a few years ago and although it sounded and played great I found that the hardware (the bridge saddles and fret wire especially) wore out REALLY fast. My Gretsch Electromatic (also made in Asia) has held up far better.
I will buy this guitar with the bigsby tremolo. Question: can you do drop-tunings with bigsby tremolos?
Hello Guitar World, great guitar! I'm very interested in the Viking 12 string, but there are not much reviews or video's to see about this guitar, so I don't know if the choice I have to make is the right on. I'm doubting between this one and the Eastwood Classic DLX 12. This one has a lot of positive reviews. Can you help me out?
I have got a Viking Deluxe natural, ten I can confirm the sound abilities of this guitar.
But, a simple question about this video: WHY the "f holes" are like classical instrument or Gibson/Guild while all the Hagstrom have a very different one?
What kind/model of guitar is that?
I'm looking for one as well. here in the states all I can find ar the Viking IIs
thanks pal..
u ve just cheers my day...
i l try this once
i have been to the Hagström city where Hagstöm started ^^
If its anything like the late sixties Viking that I have then these may be the easiest to play guitars you will ever find,as well as the warmest if you can find a hollow one.
Are the pickups humbuckers?
Hey paul If you could please make a review on the new Deuce (both the deuce and deuce F) models of hagstrom, that'd be sweet.. Thanks
I'm not a veteran, but i didn't think that semi hollow guitars could achieve such distorted sounds.
you should definitely record some a demo video
Awesome!!! I want one.
Please can you do a rock review of the Hagstrom Viking RexTone? this is my favorite hagstrom review. thanks
i've lost faith in the current Gibson and Fender models.they're way over priced and not the guitars that they once where.Would i buy a Hagstrom? yes.and it would be money well spent.
Regardless, Fenders and Gibsons sound better than any guitars on the market... Oh I just realized this was 10 years ago 😂 yeah you were right at the time. Fender, squier and Epiphone have all stepped their game up since then. Gibson, I'm not so sure about
anyone else get goosebumps?
Sounds sweet for me. Maybe I will get one soon for my second gear besides my Epiphone Les Paul Custom
Careful, you might cheat on your Epi/Gibson a lot more often than you currently think! My first Hagstrom (Ultra Swede) caused me to neglect _all_ of my other electrics......
Spot on, just bought a Super Swede and can't put it down, looks like I'll be selling my Fender. Epiphone ? Not in the same class.
the last screaming sound he made 7:14...what is it named and how did he do it???....
I'm confused... what does a maple laminated top mean versus a regular maple top? Is a laminated maple top not full wood or something?
Looks sick!
i was very surpsrised with the guitar's tone when he hit that overdrive, lol
me too mate haha
So versatile
B1adedDragon, doesn´t those old instruments have singelcoils? I know there were vikings with singlecoils before.
is there a big difference between this one and the Viking II ?
i got one new like 3 years ago for like 450 or so. did they bump the price?
last saturday i bought my hagstrom viking and you know what it fucking rocks the guitar make me play much better I love my guitar
is the neck profile of this guitar any diferent from the deluxe tremar version? answer `please
How would this guitar compare to a gibson les paul studio?
@Italienstallion14
Well this guitar is a hollowbody, so it would sound more uplugged. It is also likely going to have a little more bite and a little less tone seing as the Les Paul is built generally for more rocky stuff than this one.
Only other thing is that this guitar feels flimsier than the Les Paul because it's a hollowbody. It's not flimsier and can take just as much of a beating. But it feels flimsier.
I personally like this guitar much better.
@SoberParty I don't know about that man. Maybe a better value, but definitely not a better guitar than a 335. I played one of these side by side with a 90s ES-335 and the Hagstrom felt like a toy compared to the 355, but then again the 335 cost about 4x as much so I would expect it too. I still feel as if Gibson are a bit overpriced, but you can definitely tell a Gibson 335 is more substantial than this cheaper alternative. With that said Im going to pickup a 1965 Viking I tomorrow
What amps do they use for their demos? I hate that they seem to conceal what they use.
yeah. im sure the production quality is probably a bit lower though
@TheSchoolsux345 well indees is a semi hollow, it maybe be something different (like the resonator "wood") and stuff, but is a semi, what difference could actually be? Still a 355 as you mention haves another tone system, plus expensier stuff...
But if you gladly explain the differences (far from the vibrola or stereo plug, and the neck has i told just a few words ago) between semis i would aprecciate it.
sounds real nice
it sounds pretty good for a semi-hollow body
Great guitar! I love the sunburst look. Btw. could anyone tell me the difference between a semiacoustic guitar and a half acoustic?
(I know this an 11 year old question): Semi-hollow bodies have a solid woodblock running down the center under the pickups and bridge. Only the "wings" are "hollow". It helps cut down on feedback(a problem on electric full hollow bodies).
"Full hollow bodies" are completely hollow like a violin or an acoustic guitar.
yes it is
first time ive been instantly sold on a guitar
i used to hate hagstroms just because of how they looked , but watching this video this sounds fucking amazing :D