This guitar is a commission sale. If you have a high-end or vintage guitar you are interested in selling please contact us.
Here for sale we have a Hagström H-45 electro-acoustic guitar in Gloss natural finish. Hagström is a Swedish musical instrument manufacturer founded in 1925, originally producing accordions. In 1958 the company began manufacturing electric guitars, pioneering the production of electric guitars outside of the US. In 1983 the company closed its doors after being priced out of the market by cheaper brands being made in Asia. Hagström were reluctant to cheapen the brand with poor quality instruments, and decided to close down. In 2004 the brand was revived, producing updated versions of Hagström's original Swedish designs.
This H-45 is actually a Bjärton instrument. Bjärton was another Swedish instrument manufacturer set up in the late 1940s who by the mid ‘50s had begun to capitalise on the growth of the guitar market. As Hagström were a larger and more well established company with their own distribution & sales network, they were well placed to export Bjärton's guitars overseas. Indeed, many acoustic guitars from this era which are branded 'Hagström ' were in fact Bjärton desiged & made, distributed through Hagström.
This H-45 is clearly based on Gibson's J-45 design with its sloped-shoulder dreadnought body, reverse bridge & similarly shaped pickguard - not to mention the model number! The specification, serial number and soundhole label style indicate that this instrument was likely produced in the early '70s. The H-45 line was first produced in 1963, and continued through to the late '70s, going through several specification (& brand names) along the way. This particular example features a bolt-on construction comprising a Spruce top, Mahogany back & sides, Mahogany neck and 21 fret Rosewood fingerboard with matching bridge. A Chrome 'H' tailpiece is fitted, along with a ToM style bridge & sealed tuning machines. The headstock & fingerboard is inlaid in Pearl, whilst the pickguard is embellished with a printed design.
As a sloped-shoulder dreadnought, the body feels exceptionally comfortable in both seated and standing positions, making this an instrument which can be played in any context. The neck profile is rather slim, especially for a vintage acoustic. This provides smooth playability across the register, and when combined with the bolt-on construction, the playable range of the instrument is truly impressive. The acoustic voice of this guitar is warm and mellow, working very well on smooth strummed chords for vocal accompaniment. There is plenty of resonance from the body; the ~50 year old tonewoods have aged very gracefully and deliver a sweet tone with plenty of dynamic range. The undersaddle piezo pickup installed in this instrument provides the versatility required for live & recording situations too - a seriously usable vintage instrument.
This guitar is a commission sale. If you have a high-end or vintage guitar you are interested in selling please contact us.
Please be aware that for international buyers import fees are not included in our postage and packaging cost, this only covers the cost of the guitar being sent to you. Import fees will be charged by Customs upon the guitar's arrival in the recipient country. Due to Brexit, this also applies to EU buyers. We advise checking the total import cost with Customs as this is not information we are able to accurately provide.
Hagström H-45 Gloss Natural c.1970s Dreadnought Vintage Electro-Acoustic Guitar
Brand - Hagstrom
Model - H-45
Finish - Gloss Natural
Year - c.1970s
Made In - Sweden
Top - Spruce
Back/Sides - Mahogany
Neck - Mahogany
Fingerboard - Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius - 12" (Measured)
Frets - 15 Clear, 21 Total
Scale Length- 24.8"
Nut Width - 1.79"
Pickups - Undersaddle Piezo
Our ID: 1050326188771
Weight: 5.45lbs
Serial: 139980
Aesthetic Condition:
Headstock: Overall good condition, the rear of the headstock demonstrates a partial break that has been re-glued. This has been tested thoroughly under pressure and poses no structural concern. On the bass side edge, a slight gap between faceplate and headstock is apparent. All aspects of the headstock demonstrate consistent light to moderate scratching, indentation and chipping of the finish. We advise carefully inspecting the listing photographs for a fuller understanding of the cosmetic condition of this instrument.
Neck: Overall good condition, the rear of the neck demonstrates a notable indentation to the bass side of the profile behind the fifth fret. The finish between the 1st and 12th frets has almost entirely worn away, with the finish beyond this point demonstrating bubbling and uneven texture. Further lighter indentation is apparent throughout the register, discernible beneath the thumb in playing position. The fingerboard demonstrates moderate playwear in the early register improving as you climb the neck.
Body: Overall fair condition, the front face demonstrates two large repaired cracks to the bass side, running from the shoulder to the lower bout. These have been repaired and do not flex under pressure. The top moves evenly when pressure is applied. The tail piece appears to have caused a very slight dip on the bottom of the guitar, however the end block appears firmly attached. All aspects of the body demonstrate consistent light to moderate scratching, indentation and chipping of the finish. We advise carefully inspecting the listing photographs for a fuller understanding of the cosmetic condition of this instrument.
Condition of Frets:
The frets demonstrate notable signs of use, affecting playability by causing a slight buzz in the early register. There is no room remaining in the frets for future fret work.
Current Set Up:
Truss Rod: Fully functional. Truss rod tool (3mm hex) not included.
Hardware: Fully functional with notable signs of use. The tuners demonstrate varying resistances but function correctly. The saddle slots have been slotted deeper to accommodate much heavier strings, however this does not affect functionality.
Structural: No concerns or issues to note. Please note previously mentioned repairs regarding the top and headstock.
Height of the string from the 12th Fret-2.5mm - Bass 2.5mm
Please be aware that the action on a guitar may move slightly in transit and this measurement is the current height.
Strings on Guitar - 11-52
There is only a small amount of adjustment remaining in the bridge. Due to the easily adjustable bolt on neck construction, this is not of concern and an owner desiring a lower action may choose to shim the neck.
Electrics:
Fully functional. Electronics are very quiet and sound relatively thin but do function.
Case & Accessories:
Road Runner soft case
The case demonstrates light signs of use.