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Manfred's Hagstrom Stories. THIS PAGE IS MASSIVE... You may now see this amazing presentation in smaller chunks!
Page 1 (Semi Acoustic) - Page 2 (Earlier
Solid) - Page 3 (Later Solid)
Manfred didn't really appreciate what he had until he moved from Germany to Orlando, Florida! Sent: Sunday, January 26, 2003 1:05 AM Last year I moved to Orlando, Florida and take the bass with me in an Oversea Container. The Container got flooded and most of my household goods were destroyed but to my big surprise the bass is still ok. I only had to clean and polish to bring it back to old beauty (See the attached pictures). Anyway this incident reminds to the past and to what rare and beautiful instrument I could call my own. And that was the starting point of a new Hagstrom Bass Collection. Since I've got a little more experience with Hagstrom Concord Basses now I recognized this is a very special one. No cracks in the finish, nothings broken, this bass is in near mint condition. The serial number is 733324. This series is not listed so I would say it must be build around 1968. And in difference to all other Concord Basses this DeLuxe Version is equipped with gold plated fittings and with pearl block inlays. Please read in Part 2 how the story continues. Take care, Manfred Graeder Orlando, Florida
Hi David, After rescuing my Concord DeLuxe (see Part 1) I came
to the idea to check on ebay if there are some other Hagstrom around. To my
surprise there are a lot of Hagstrom on
Some days later UPS deliver Ok some hours later after some polishing work and playing the first cords the disappointment changes to excitement. Those are my first steps to explore the evolution process on Hagstrom Basses and Guitars. I've learned to have a look on every detail of an instrument and pictures on ebay. And you could imagine after this experience this wasn't the latest Concord in my collection. Meanwhile there are eleven Hagstrom Basses. I will send additional pictures in the near future. This bass
has serial number 696178 and was build in 1967. I've tried to show the major
difference between the 696xxx and 733xxx series in my pictures. To be continued
... Manfred
MARCH 04 THIS PAGE CAN NOW BE VIEWED IN SMALLER CHUNKS!
The next Concord I bought is out of the first series of Concord Basses with serial number 647148 and builds around 1965/66.
The differences to the later series: - No pick guard - Pickup selector switch - Different pickups - neck without the white plastic frame on the side of the fret board (What's the English word for it?) (BINDING - Bound or Unbound) Now there are three Concord of different series and I think there are two series missing in my collection now. This is series 716xxx which has the bridge of the 696xxx series and the mounted Hagstrom emblem of the DeLuxe Series. I could not see any difference between the 718xxx and 733xxx DeLuxe Series on the picture, but I bet there are some. Take Care, Manfred
MARCH 04 THIS PAGE CAN NOW BE VIEWED IN SMALLER CHUNKS!
Anytime when you think the collection is complete, you will
See in the pictures my latest member of the Concord selection. A beautiful red Concord Bass with serial number 696126 build in 1967. Yours, Manfred
MARCH 04 THIS PAGE CAN NOW BE VIEWED IN
SMALLER CHUNKS! You can't keep a good MANfred
down eh?
- Here's more...
Hello David, I promised to send additional updates in the near future and here's one. I've just finished my cleaning job on a black Concord Bass. This bass has serial number 733197. I disassembled the bass to clean it, which you could see on some of the pictures. As result there's another beauty to extend my Concord Collection. Take care, Manfred.
As our friend Rob (Hagstrom Canada) said... hey one from each batch made... now there's a good idea... Look what you've done now Manfred!
Say... when you're tired of one of these Manfred PLEASE let me know eh?
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The red one is number 934011 and the black one 934181. I will find one in mahogany sometime ... Take care, Manfred
MARCH 04 THIS PAGE CAN NOW BE VIEWED IN SMALLER CHUNKS!
Solid Gold Bass Playing here - turn up that amp!
It is an honor to share pictures and knowledge about these fantastic
instruments with all the other Hagstrom fans, especially on the best Hagstrom
Website of the world. Anyway it would be great to see more pictures from all the
others around. Yours, Manfred The pictures you have provided are of great interest, as I haven't seen "under the covers" on one of these before; so once again my friend - Thank you very much. I did have an offer some time back of a rare fretless Scanbass, but had to pass on it as it was at the same time as the Coronado VI. Not being a bass player for real, I had to make a choice, and went for the oddity factor in the end! That fretless Scanbass turned up a while later with a visitor from Sweden. It had returned 'home'to Sweden, and the pictures now reside on this site. I am honoured you give the site such high esteem, there are a few of us who work closely together with our sites to (lets say) 'keep it in tune'. Without the generous nature of people like yourself, these sites would be a lot leaner, and less interesting!
MARCH 04 THIS PAGE CAN NOW BE VIEWED IN SMALLER CHUNKS!
Straight off the production line???
I have only one complaint in the whole of this gorgeous page, and have indicated it through only partly cropping his first photo. (I have to crop and compress pics to save web space) So, what is the nature of my complaint? Why is the sun shining quite so much ALL the time where Manfred lives!!! Ah well, sunny Bognor Regis isn't too bad compared to some places... but Florida seems to beckon! Hello David, For this weeks update I've selected a HII B N in near mint condition. The serial number is 821167 and it is built in 1971-72. Take Care, Manfred
Well folks this superb collection continues to thrive on the strength of contacts Manfred has gained around the world wide community.
He's made his mark for sure. Thanks again.
MARCH 04 THIS PAGE CAN NOW BE VIEWED IN SMALLER CHUNKS!
This latest prize consists of a super example of a Swede Bass Patch model (Patch 2000) from a batch of 125 made in 1977.
Some superb shots in this selection - the bridge and tail detail - notice the black plastic-like topped bridge saddles for example... the "Gibsonesque" capped toggle switch (no backing plate though), for pick-up selection... The flick switch for synthesizer mode... Also note the tail piece setup, separating each string - found generally on later Hagstrom models to stop cross over from one string to another... Super shots - Thank you once again Manfred! Manfred is also on the lookout for an Ampeg Patch Pedal
set and a small synthesizer box to put through his amp.
MARCH 04 THIS PAGE CAN NOW BE VIEWED IN SMALLER CHUNKS!
The lesson
today comes from way back in the early days of vinyl.
How on earth does he find them in this superb condition? I wasn't thinking when he said H1B... out of 1966... at first I didn't picture this beautiful Hagstrom 1B in my mind. Take a look at the body close-up picture.
There are a few variations with these Basses coming out of the same stables as the (Hagstrom made) Kent 1B. Pictures on the Bass page even show an earlier example marked Hagstrom but listed as Kent in the record books! Maybe this didn't have a logo at all when it left the premises, it could be an aftermarket (original) logo - you could still get those until recently from Karl-Erik Junior... And yes.... the sun shines brightly again! MARCH 04 THIS PAGE CAN NOW BE VIEWED IN SMALLER CHUNKS!
Update February 2004: The Kent 1 Hagstrom 1 Bass from
1964... I love this shot, you almost expect Clint Eastwood to appear from behind the guitar! Well this is out of chronological sequence in all respects, being earlier manufacture than the one above, and much later in terms of me receiving the details from Manfred, but this is the place it needs to be, to maintain some context of the story. By February 2004 (as it is now), I think this page must go on that long list of pages now in need of new sequencing... ... the time will come... sometime! Meantime, lets enjoy (the now well known) detail that Manfred offers us in his presentations for our enjoyment. Another superb example, and a brilliant insight to the model - Thank you again Manfred!
This time I have a part of the Hagstrom I / Kent I history. This is a Kent I B out of the year 1964. I’ve added some pictures to show the differences to the already displayed sample out of the year 1966.
The strap knob is plastic and was replaced later to the more functional metal one. Also have an also detailed look to the inlet of the “swimming” pool, you will recognize a silver pyramid pattern compared to the golden weaved cord pattern of the later model. Best Regards, Manfred Now we get a rare view inside this model, the three part body, and all in such wonderful condition! If only more were such well kept examples of playable history...
MARCH 04 THIS PAGE CAN NOW BE VIEWED IN
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March 04: Update on the Kent1 range... Hello David, Let’s go back a little bit deeper into the Kent I Bass History. The attached pictures show a Bass out of the first batch named Kent I out of the year 1964. You may ask – what’s the difference to the other Kent I bass already presented on your page? Ok so let’s have a detailed look. Obviously there’s a plastic Hagstrom logo on the top horn of the bass and no decal on the head. But the more interesting detail is how the oval pickups are mounted. They are clued into the plastic cover. The next batch produced in 1964 has already the pickups screwed in and adjustable in height. Best Regards, Manfred
There is whole history on this page thanks to the dedication, and detail provided by Manfred. I am also continually impressed at the level of quality and condition that turns up in this collection! I recently purchased a Futurama
/ PB-24-G and it was barely held together by the packaging! Thanks again Manfred!
MARCH 04 THIS PAGE CAN NOW BE VIEWED IN SMALLER CHUNKS!
In the lower right corner of the United Kingdom of Great Britain you find KENT. Known as the Garden of England, the Darling buds of May used to send blossom into sweet ripe fruit for the next generation, and hops for the next year of 'draught bitter' beers... I was born there, and having blossomed a bit too much for my own good, moved to an even sunnier place by the sea. (OK, so what's he on about now?) Well, here we see what bore fruit from 'Kent in Sweden' too:
These guitars and basses were certainly the 'seed change' from the early models into the mainstream competition for Hagstrom. Thanks again to you Manfred, this page is a brilliant browse for all of us, and the advice is very sound. I've had the occasional disappointment through online deals, but check you ask all the basic questions that come to mind. If the seller is serious, then they will oblige with extra photo's or confirmation and answers. If not, then you may be in for some rotten fruit! If anyone wants to be added to the (occasional) newsletter, then send me an e-mail (link below), and you'll get the next update - sometime in the future!
Manfred showed us above how to go... H to B So now, expanding on the theme - take a look at how things develop, how testing can be fun, and how to dress the whole thing up in a nice stripy number! Oh yes, and as for the sun.... now you see it, now you don't eh? May 2003... The serial number of the sunburst is 654657 build in 1965/66. The serial number of the blue one is 679816 build in 1966/67.
As difference to the "evolution" model some before there's the rectangular pickup and the "new" volume knob, which is also used on the early Concord and Viking series. Ok, to be exact there's a difference. The control pots used in the Concord Bass has a longer thread then the one in the H II B. There is no labelling on the knob. This is added later with the Concord Deluxe, H II B N and Swede models. As compensation that this is not that spectacular
model, I've added on special picture to personalize this page.
ED: The more you get into this stuff, the more you get inquisitive, the more you know what you're doing, the more you get out of it all - Manfred, thanks for your continued support for the website. Your collection continues to inspire, and (on a personal note) your photo's are consistently excellent - including the courage to personalise your very own page, so no apologies - spectacular is all you could say about the whole collection!
That 'baby-blue' certainly grows on you. I wasn't sure, some time ago but then a while back I nearly bought a Futurama (UK model) but it was about to open up at the seams - that must have put me off, but I must be over it now... and in the last few months the appeal has grown again!
MARCH 04 THIS PAGE CAN NOW BE VIEWED IN
SMALLER CHUNKS! Now, this is a Real Rare Gem - A second series Coronado IV from 66
Manfred, That looks one smooth player....
MARCH 04 THIS PAGE CAN NOW BE VIEWED IN
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Hello David, This is the next evolution step of the Hagstrom II B series, the 8-String Bass. This one in mahogany sunburst finish is built in 1968 and has serial number 730008. To get space for the additional four tuners Hagstrom modified the neck and added a new Headstock. The same neck is used later for the H II B N models. Additional to the Bass tuners they added four Guitar tuners. The body got bigger around 2.5 cm in length and width. This body is also used for the H II B N. The pickups are changed and get the big oval pole covers. Hagstrom introduces with the 8-String the metal bridge into the H II B series. There's a separate saddle for every string. The interesting part here is that they have used three saddles from the 12-String guitar. Have a look on the detail picture. The second set of four strings of this bass are tuned to the
same notes but one octave higher than the standard four strings. Thanks to Manfred for the detail,
overview and observations - it provides a well rounded presentation - making my
life much easier,
SuperSwede 1981 - The last batch of Bass Guitars made, 156 in total. MARCH 04 THIS PAGE CAN NOW BE VIEWED IN SMALLER CHUNKS!
This one has the imperfect milky lacquer which accentuates every small ding
or scratch, but gives also a very special charm to the bass. Very special is
that the neck is continued in one piece through the body with attached sides,
like Les Paul's "The Log".
The controls are the same like it's introduced with the Jazzbass. One m Thanks to Craig from Hagstromworld who offered that bass to me. Regards, Manfred
Very much a Scandi Jazzbass influence, and a great player by the looks. Very of its time, so sad it was the last we heard eh? Yes the knobs were introduced on the 1976
HIII Scandi, as well as the Bass so there was a
lot of influence in this parting bass presentation from
"The
House of Hagström". Such a shame about the milky lacquer, this also happened on a couple of the late Superswede Guitars. (Yes the truth hurts...), however what a magnificent looking beast, and that straight-through centre section for concentrating the resonation is so distinctive as well. Another classic model Manfred, and a very worthy addition to your superb collection, once again I am pleased and honoured to share these pictures and details through Hagstrom UK.
So
Manfred, will the living museum of Hagstrom Basses ever open to the public?
MARCH 04 THIS PAGE CAN NOW BE VIEWED IN
SMALLER CHUNKS! Is this
little number a Square peg in a Round hole?
This update covers the H I B (F100B) which was mainly produced for the Canadian market as low cost product. The concept seems to me strait forward. Take whatever part you have and build a bass based on the H II B with only one pickup. As result it is not possible to describe "the" H I B. I've seen every combination of tuners, pickup or knob used on the other models. There's also a very good example of three different H I B on John Haskin's Website . One interesting component is that they use sometimes a neck plate with four holes. As you could see on one of my pictures the body contains also the standard three holes. Yours, Manfred
As John and others have said about this model, a sound that belies the fact this may have been intended as a lower spec or less expensive starter, but in fact, a sound all of it's own - that many love to play by choice. Steve Hansen's 1972 (first
pictures on the Bass Page) is a slightly earlier example from the same
batch, and yes a square neck plate. I like those black rubber strings - they look cool - a different sound again maybe? ... all in all another very worthy addition to this fantastic collection, and like Steve Hansen's it really brings out the red flare in the sunburst, and great clean condition too!
As with special collectors such as Jon
Casselman, Manfred Graeder has an inspired view of the Hagstrom Bass offering.
MARCH 04 THIS PAGE CAN NOW BE VIEWED IN SMALLER CHUNKS!
July 2003: Hello David, Let me first congratulate to the 2 Year Anniversary of your excellent Website.
In the following there's a very special donation from me. This set of pictures show the Jazzbass Patch 2000.
This is number 47 out of 75 ever built.
I must not describe the
Patch functionality
this is already done better than I could on your site.
... Yours, Manfred
I really love the looks of the Hagstrom
Scandi and Scanbass offerings, in fact go back up a bit, Timeless quality
"Will you still Need me... will you still Feed me... when
I'm MARCH 04 THIS PAGE CAN NOW BE VIEWED IN
SMALLER CHUNKS! Hello David, This photo selection leads us back to the year
1964. I must admit that I've overlooked the Futurama which is another step between the PB-24-BG and the De-Luxe Bass.
This bass is equipped with plastic strap knobs, which are used in some of the first batches. Best Regards, Manfred
Some people make the assumption that the
name Futurama here means Hagstrom made all of the Futurama guitars. This is not
the case.
Coronado VI
- Another early unique offering from Hagstrom, MARCH 04 THIS PAGE CAN NOW BE VIEWED IN
SMALLER CHUNKS!
Here follows our conversation over this
latest presentation, comparing the Hagstrom UK model: (Manfred reply:) You see I'm a four string player, so it's very difficult for me to handle the narrow space between the strings. I will try it out from time to time. Anyway that's a very beautiful and seldom Bass. Do you know that the neck of the Coronado VI is shorter then the one on the Coronado IV? This looks like a fine example again, and I'm impressed that you pull them apart then put them back again. I would normally only do that if something went wrong (but them I'm no expert engineer!). Yes it's in good shape but there was a lot of work to do after
it arrived. It was really dusty with some dings here and there. Two brushings
missing etc.. It's not
It's interesting there are some differences - such as the Kings Head Logo position on the back of the neck on this later batch, the kings head logo is a plate on mine that exposes the workings of the truss rod at both ends. The L and H tone marking instead of simple 3 and 4 is a clearer layout on the buttons too. Also the hard plastic strap nuts have moved on to metal ones (or someone has changed them). My own one wasn't even listed in the booklet, being built during part of a run of Coronado IV's, this makes it possibly a prototype before the listed production run. That sounds reasonable for me.
It works pretty well on both Coronado's. And the joke is it's just a standard pot like you have it on every Hagstrom Bass. The slider is mounted through a special gearing. I will make some pictures soon.
So now I will venture into my Corvette again where's the WD40? - thanks Manfred! UPDATE DECEMBER 2003 - THE INSIDE PICTURES MARCH 04 THIS PAGE CAN NOW BE VIEWED IN
SMALLER CHUNKS! Here we see that amazing geared Master Volume used on the Corvette, Condor, Impala... and of course Coronado Basses
The full reverse view of the pickguard
Tremendous thanks to Manfred for these detailed pictures. We all look forward to any new episodes! MARCH 04 THIS PAGE CAN NOW BE VIEWED IN
SMALLER CHUNKS!
I'd like to introduce the newest member of our Concord DeLuxe Family to you. It's a Concord DeLuxe Bass out of the unlisted 733 series and we named him "Redneck".
There's also on picture combination that shows the difference between before and after cleaning an instrument. Best Regards, Manfred
and on an old subject... part sun, part shade - I like it! The aforementioned earlier model pictures are shown next...
Now, how do
you top and tail such a comprehensive Bass collection? MARCH 04 THIS PAGE CAN NOW BE VIEWED IN
SMALLER CHUNKS!
See the full selection of photo's on the
Hagstrom AMPS page
Nov 2003 MARCH 04 THIS PAGE CAN NOW BE VIEWED IN
SMALLER CHUNKS! It is close to a year since Manfred has delighted us with his treasure trove of Hagstrom Basses. There is no way you can become complacent with the opportunity this affords us for great details and pictures, and the next segment proves this...
See that shine... all the way down the road!
It's 12 months Manfred (THE Bassman) Graeder has graced this site with his collection... MARCH 04 THIS PAGE CAN NOW BE VIEWED IN
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I believe that this is a special feature only of that series, because I haven’t seen it on any other H II B N batches so far. If I’m right then this is one of 200 Basses with this mute mechanism ever build.
Maybe it was an attempt to build a mechanical substitute to
the electronic switch of the predecessor model H II B, which is dropped later
on.
MARCH 04 THIS PAGE CAN NOW BE VIEWED IN
SMALLER CHUNKS! Such dedication is inspired. Almost as
inspired as I am looking at this page of contributions
There must be loads of stories (and pics) around from the last forty years, why not share them with us!
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Any questions
contributions or comments about this web site are welcome. All
Presentations are Copyright © 2001-2007
Hagstrom.org.uk - Hagstrom UK
Projects
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He's
no Semi-Collector he's becoming a Solid Specialist, and he's back!
Now
Manfred brings us something unusual in the USA, and not too frequently seen here
in the UK. A favourite of mine - The
Scanbass.
themselves
so well. What a splendid example of this revised model The HIIBN,
and a perfect addition to the collection kindly offered for display here on
Hagstrom UK (We are again honoured Manfred).
I'm
sure this is indicative of Manfred's sense of humour...
Hello
David, Ok you got me. I've turned on the sun again for the attached pictures.
This week I'll show a Hagstrom I B Bass out of the year 1966, with serial number
670277. This one is equipped with the squared pickups. And have a look on the
"Hagstrom III" sticker on the neck. Since Hagstrom did not build any Hagstrom
III bass, I could imagine that someone take the sticker
Hello
David, 
Hello
David, Today I've something special for you, a Coronado IV Bass out of the year
1966 (Serial Number 658074). This Coronado IV is out of the second "series" (not
batch). There're some changes to the first series like the two chrome finger and
thumb rests. Did you recognize the plastic Hagstrom decal on the body? Wow. I
must not talk about the tuners or the separate adjustable plastic saddles. The
controls and volume lever are also described on the page presenting your
Redding
Epitaph
Imagine
the scene: "...sorry boss, it just
crumbled, I know it's just the neck plate, but I said we needed to re-tool that
stamper..." etc., I know, it's just a thin theory, and after all what other
models have this modification around the time - none as far as I know. If it was
a matter of entry level spec I doubt it was worth making this difference. In the
big acoustic models the
Hello
David, This time I have a set of pictures of the Hagstrom Coronado VI Bass
(Serial# 597058) out of the year 1965-66. The details are already perfectly
So...
September 2003 - Here we go...
Hello
David, Please find attached a set of pictures of an H II B N from the first
series 769. The very special of that bass is the mute mechanism on the bridge.
