Hagstrom guitars Northen line

  • Thread starter Thread starter Aztec
  • Start date Start date
Aztec

Aztec

New member
The Hagstrom's made in China seem to get pretty good reviews, with the main issue being sharp frets, but other than that it seems to me that they've been getting a lot of praise.

The Northen line is made in the Czech Republic and uses better quality woods and Lundgren pickups.

Has anyone had any experience with them?
I'm mainly interested in the Swede and Super Swede models and how they would compare to a decent Gibson Les Paul.
 
Probably not a lot of Hagstroms used by this crowd.
 
Can't speak to the Czech line, but:

I have a Korean Ultra Swede that I am embarrassed to say I really like. I purchased it because it was a limited run Spalted Maple edition, and it is gorgeous. I decided I'd make it a project for fun.

I replaced the bridge pickup with a Dimarzio Tone Zone, and the neck with an Air Zone. Replaced the bridge with a Locking Tone Pros, and Machines with Planet Waves self trimming tuners.

Before the upgrades it was just your standard Korean import (with a super sexy neck). After all the upgrades it is a really nice playing axe. Super low action, very thin neck, and I really like the resonator fret board. It stays in tune really well, and sounds great.

My only gripe is that the body is basswood, and not mahogany as it should be for an LP clone..
 
Once either my beloved ENGL Blackmore or Horizon NT-II will be bought then I'll probably get a Northen Swede next month. Either way I'll post my impressions of it here.
 
I've not played the Northen line, but I bought a used Super Swede with Duncan Antiquities a few days ago and love it, largely because of the 25.5" scale. The fret work is quite good, but the overall QC is clearly not that high compared to my other guitars, e.g., the nut is slightly less wide than the neck and mounted a little out of center, and the dressing of the wiring was rather poor. It's also not as pretty as a good Gibson and definitely not as nice as my PRS, but for the relative pittance I paid for it, that doesn't bother me.
 
That seems to be the case with most MIC guitars, they often are hit or miss...but the overall impression seems to be positive and I'm hoping that the european made ones are exquisite.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top