TEST: Hagström F 200

 Guitarists are a very unique breed of musicians. In terms of their pronounced ego, they are always very much there at the core of the undisputed self-presentation leader “singer”. The six-string faction can be roughly divided into two layers in terms of their behavior towards their instrument.

Layer number one loves the detailed and sophisticated, in terms of fine wood structure that comes close to a living room table, multiple bindings, elaborate detail solutions and fingerboard inlays made of abalone until the doctor comes in the style of a PRS or a custom shop special order. Shift number two prefers the robust tool, with simple functionality without any frills, the screwdriver in the toolbox, inconspicuous but essential. Instruments such as the Tele, the Juniors from Gibson or the unspectacular SG can be mentioned here as a reference.

The F 200 from Hagstrom falls into this category. A typical “board guitar”, as the Solidbodies were called in a slightly disrespectful manner in the early 1950s before their resounding success. In the tradition of the working man tool, the simple exterior suggests an all-rounder in the pop-rock sector. Let us surprise.


Construction:

Well, it's obvious who was the inspiration for this instrument, especially since the version I have of the F 200 is also delivered in the classic cherry red, known internally as "Transparent Cherry". Even if the body shape varies a little, the classic SG horns immediately draw a parallel to the USA classic. But hey, don't forget, Hagstrom has also been on the market with slight breaks since 1958, so the Swedish company can undoubtedly be counted among the “startups” of the solid body guitar.

Neck, body, headstock, mahogany as far as the eye can see and completely covered in a polyester finish. The almost 4 cm thick two-part body is sanded at the edges and has been veneered with a continuous piece of mahogany on the top and bottom sides. It is remarkable how a slight contouring of the body improves the overall playing comfort. When the milling is tight, the right forearm always feels like it's resting against the edge of a door. Les Paul players know what I'm talking about. And no matter how much the paint may be worn down, the wood and the edge remain! ;-)

The headstock has always been something special on all Hagstrom guitars, a tradition that continues seamlessly with the F 200. The slightly backwards angled, tapered headstock has the slightly sweeping, characteristic shape that is common to all Hagstroms. Painted black and framed with pearloid (or perhaps mother of pearl....), it looks very decorative and stands out clearly from the otherwise very simple layout. In addition, a stylized lily was inserted between the tuning mechanisms. Six mechanics, which follow the outer edge of the headstock, form another visual peculiarity of the Hagstrom guitars. The tuning pegs appear in three superimposed waves, which run in a ratio of 18:1.

A small plastic cap covers the entrance to an in-house patent, the H-Trussrod, a special neck adjustment rod, which, due to its shape, is said to have higher torsional stiffness than the classic round rod.

The scale length is specified as 24.74 inches and with the resulting 62.83 cm it is to be understood as a classic shortscale guitar in the spirit of the Gibson tradition. Another special feature is the fingerboard of the guitar. Misinterpreted by many as Ebony due to its coloring and general visual appearance, it is an in-house invention, the Resinator fingerboard. These are several wooden sheets glued together under vacuum, which have good vibration behavior and are intended to minimize dead spots. Dots were used as fingerboard markings, and a variant with medium height and width was used as fret wire.

Der Sattel ist aus selbst-schmierendem Grafit gefertigt und minimiert so die Reibung der einzelnen Saiten. Die Brücke der F 200 ist mit sechs einzeln verstellbaren Reitern versehen und mittels zwei Schlitzschrauben in Höhe und Neigungswinkel einstellbar. Etwas ungewöhnlich ist das so genannte Block Stop Tailpiece, welches die Saiten in zwei versetzten Dreierreihen zur Brücke leitet. Dieses Tailpiece liegt nochmals auf einem Plexiglas Aufsatz auf, welcher zusammen mit einer relativ großen Chromabdeckung mittels zweier Schrauben auf der Decke der Gitarre verschraubt ist. Eine eher ungewöhnliche Detaillösung, jedoch könnte die somit deutlich größere Auflagefläche zu einer Erhöhung des Sustainverhaltens beitragen.

Als Tonabnehmer kommen zwei Custom 60 Alnico 5 zum Einsatz, welche einen etwas höheren Output und einen stärkeren Höhenanteil als der Custom 58 aufweisen. Beide Tonabnehmer sitzen in schwarzen Rähmchen und sind mit je einer Schraube pro Seite justierbar. Die Ausgangsbuchse ist wohl das einzige Merkmal was an ein Fender-typische Trademark erinnert, handelt es sich doch hierbei um die versenkte Ausführung, welche bei der Stratocaster zu Weltruhm gelangte. Ein Mastervolume- und ein Mastertonregler zuzüglich eines Dreiwegschalters runden das Gesamtbild des Instrumentes ab.



Praxis:

Was einem zunächst in die Augen, respektive Hände beim Erstkontakt fällt ist der ungewöhnlich stark D-förmige Hals des Instrumentes. Gegenüber dem erwarteten SG Ansatz fährt die F 200 eine völlig eigenständige Schiene. Ich hatte ein eher traditionelles Shaping mit ausgeprägteren Schultern erwartet, statt dessen kommt die Schwedin mit recht modernem, geradezu kräftigem skandinavischem Handling daher. Sowohl das Akkordspiel als auch das Solospiel lässt sich auf diesem Hals problemlos realisieren. Respekt.

Das Zweite was nahezu alle Soundnuancen des Instrumentes unterstreicht ist das ausladende Sustain. Es hat wirklich den Anschein als ob die im Prospekt mehrfach erwähnte Hinführung zur Schwingungsoptimierung in Sachen Stegkonstruktion und Griffbrettherstellung ihren Sinn erfüllt haben. Jede Note hat einen gleichlauten Ansatz und verreckt nicht in einer konstruktionsbedingten Auslöschung. Alle Töne haben zudem für eine Pure-Mahagony Konstruktion eine unerwartet hohe perkussive Grundauslegung. Funkige Sechzehntel und perlige Pickings lassen sich trotz der mittenlastigen Mahagoni Konstruktion sehr gut umsetzen.

Unterstützt wird dies nochmals durch die Custom 60 Pickups, denen man tatsächlich eine gewisse Eigenständigkeit attestieren muss. So wussten die Spulen gerade im cleanen Bereich mit einem Hauch von mangelnder Wärme sehr zu überzeugen, auch im Crunch Bereich konnte die F 200 mit einem hohen Durchsetzungsvermögen punkten.

Lediglich im High-Gain wurde schnell klar dass diese Gitarre ein anderes Spektrum bedient. Trotz der sehr guten Sustain Eigenschaften blieb die Kompression des Tons nur im Mittelfeld, was aber wie gesagt kein Problem darstellt, da die Ausrichtung der Gitarre eine völlig andere ist. Mit einer Gretsch spielt ja auch kein Mensch Metal, oder?



Fazit:

Schau an, Hagstrom gelingt es tatsächlich im der unendlichen Fülle des Marktes eine eigene Nische zu besetzen. Klanglich schafft es die F 200 einer klassischen Humbucker-Konstruktion einen Hauch von „Single-Coil“ zu spendieren, noch dazu zu einem sehr moderaten Preis. Lasst euch nicht von der unscheinbaren Roten in der Ecke täuschen, optisch mag es für den Einen oder Anderen exaltierten Heatseeker an Esprit fehlen, akustisch weiß der Schwedenhappen aber als Allrounder für Pop, Rock und Blues durchaus zu überzeugen.

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Additional Informations:

Introduction:
Hagstrom Guitars holds a unique position in the pantheon of musical instrument manufacturers, with a rich history steeped in innovation, craftsmanship, and a commitment to quality. From its humble beginnings in Sweden to its global acclaim, the story of Hagstrom guitars is a testament to the enduring legacy of creativity and passion in the world of music. This article delves into the fascinating journey of Hagstrom Guitars, tracing its origins, milestones, and contributions to the realm of musical instruments.

Early Beginnings:
The roots of Hagstrom Guitars can be traced back to the 1920s when Albin Hagström Sr., a Swedish accordion importer and manufacturer, recognized the growing popularity of guitars in the burgeoning music scene. In 1925, Hagström established the Hagström company in Älvdalen, Sweden, initially focusing on the production of accordions and other fretted instruments.

Expansion into Guitars:
In the years that followed, Hagstrom expanded its product line to include guitars, leveraging its expertise in instrument manufacturing and a keen understanding of market trends. The company's early guitar models reflected a blend of traditional craftsmanship and innovative design, earning praise for their quality and playability.

However, it was not until the 1950s that Hagstrom guitars gained widespread recognition, fueled by the rise of rock 'n' roll and the burgeoning demand for electric guitars. Hagstrom capitalized on this trend by introducing a range of electric guitars that combined sleek aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, setting the stage for its ascent in the global music industry.

Innovation and Distinctive Features:
One of the hallmarks of Hagstrom guitars was their innovative design features, which set them apart from their competitors. One notable innovation was the incorporation of a patented "Hagstroms Resinator" fretboard, made from a composite material that offered enhanced sustain, stability, and tonal clarity. This unique fretboard material became synonymous with Hagstrom guitars and contributed to their distinctive sound and feel.

Additionally, Hagstrom guitars featured ergonomic body shapes, slim neck profiles, and high-quality hardware, all designed to enhance playability and comfort for musicians. These innovations made Hagstrom guitars highly sought after by professional players and enthusiasts alike, cementing the brand's reputation for excellence.

Endorsements and Global Expansion:
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Hagstrom guitars gained popularity among renowned musicians, who appreciated their superior craftsmanship and versatility. Iconic artists such as Elvis Presley, Frank Zappa, and David Bowie were among the many who embraced Hagstrom guitars, showcasing their capabilities on stage and in the studio.

Buoyed by endorsements from prominent artists and a reputation for quality, Hagstrom guitars experienced a period of rapid global expansion. The company's instruments found favor among musicians in Europe, the United States, and beyond, solidifying its status as a leading player in the international guitar market.

Challenges and Revival:
Like many musical instrument manufacturers, Hagstrom faced challenges in the face of shifting market dynamics and economic pressures. In the late 1970s, the company ceased production due to financial difficulties, marking a temporary halt to its storied legacy.

However, the Hagstrom brand experienced a revival in the early 2000s, thanks to a group of dedicated enthusiasts and investors who sought to reignite its flame. Led by Swedish entrepreneur Per-Åke Olsson, the reinvigorated Hagstrom company resumed production of guitars, drawing inspiration from its rich heritage while embracing modern manufacturing techniques.

The relaunched Hagstrom guitars retained the essence of their predecessors while incorporating contemporary features and improvements. With a renewed focus on quality control, innovation, and customer satisfaction, the revived Hagstrom brand once again captured the attention of musicians worldwide, reaffirming its place in the annals of musical instrument history.

Legacy and Continued Innovation:
Today, Hagstrom Guitars stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Swedish craftsmanship and innovation. The company's commitment to quality, playability, and sonic excellence continues to resonate with musicians of all genres, from seasoned professionals to aspiring artists.

With a diverse lineup of electric and acoustic guitars, basses, and amplifiers, Hagstrom remains at the forefront of musical instrument design and manufacturing. Its dedication to pushing the boundaries of creativity and technology ensures that each Hagstrom instrument upholds the brand's legacy of excellence while inspiring the next generation of musicians.

Conclusion:
The story of Hagstrom Guitars is one of resilience, ingenuity, and a deep passion for music. From its humble beginnings in Sweden to its global prominence, Hagstrom has remained a beacon of innovation and craftsmanship in the world of musical instruments. As the journey of Hagstrom guitars continues, one thing remains certain: the brand's commitment to quality, innovation, and musical excellence will continue to shape the sounds of generations to come.