The Western Series Acoustics

(Jan 2010) Well, it is a long time since I've set a new page, but a thread on the forum has convinced me there is something I should have expanded on YEARS ago. The last line of 12 string acoustics made for Hagstrom by Bjarton of Malmo Sweden. Traditionally Bjarton used necks from Hagstrom, but by now I'm uncertain - hopefully someone will be able to expand on this in the fullness of time.

Possibly used by ABBA for a short while (although I'd thought that Gibson's shilling would have been taken by the time this model was available... It is always pretty convincing when they want to endorse you instead). This range of models was almost too late for Hagstrom, and had a life of its own through it's actual manufacturer Bjärton for a while too. For how long I'm uncertain.

Away from the brochure pages the first time I saw this model 'in the flesh' was at the Östersund festival in October 2005. The brochure states it was a model available from 1978. However very few are ever seen?

Pete from Larz Kristers was using one at Östersund. He was certain it was the best version and to be fair he had used it regularly - just look at the buckle rash on that rear!

The key things that changed this version was the return of a heel on the neck joint, the headstock shape, and according to the catalogue page the solid spruce face

How many are out there being cherished by their owners?

How many are hidden away in Sweden with the Hagstrom or even Bjärton brand name on them
and the model name Rio Grande instead?

To the right you see a Scandinavian catalogue picture from the early 1980's.

However many there are out there, it's up to you to tell us on the forum.

Oh yes, I suppose I'd better do the usual, sadly no video, but yes
our Chris got his hands on this one and liked it too!

I'd love one of these to go with my BJ12 and H33

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