Dear Guillaume,
This is an interesting example. It comes from a batch of
250 made in 1969. How many were exactly like this will be uncertain, for
as you know, this is a transition. One very interesting aspect is the
bridge, which like a batch of basses from the same year (769xxx) has a
limited production feature of a roll over damper mechanism within the
bridge. It would appear that the guitar and the bass models with this
mechanism were sent to Canada.
[See:
http://www.hagstrom.org.uk/hagstrom_bass.htm ]
As you indicate, Canada is a great place to find unusual
Hagström models. There are a few examples of ‘specials’ or more
realistically models which use up old parts. A perfect example of this
principle is the H1 model guitar 787xxx which used the tail from a
Hagström Standard, a pickup never seen before, and not used again until
the final ‘wash up’ of odd pieces that became the Hagström Partner in
1979.
I can only imagine the conversations that led to some of
these special models – the most interesting of all being the use of the
Standard tail on that H1, and then someone saying we’ve got those pickups
with the single line across them from 1970 which we can use on the Partner
model in 1979!
[See:
http://www.hagstrom.org.uk/visstory/visitorsallthe-hs.htm ]
It is the finest example of how a company, run as a
family business, appeared to the outside world as big and bold as the
biggest names we all know today. Yet within the walls of decision making,
there was tremendous flexibility, and the need to tidy up every so often!
Fortunately people do not see this as a failing, at
least not in the final outcome. All these ‘special’ models provide a great
“twist” to the formality of the published brochures, and not least, a
great talking point 36 years later!
Getting back to your own example, this looks to be in
superb condition, and I hope you enjoy it for it’s playability as much as
it’s history. The final version of this model is well respected, and
extremely useable. This is a great “twist” on the story as I say and quite
unusual now. Your desire for a Viking from the transition makes great
sense too. I bought my first non acoustic Hagström via Canada… one of
these Strat headed humbuckers models. I love it!
[See:
http://www.hagstrom.org.uk/viking_has_landed.htm ]
Thank you for sharing this with us.
