TEST: Hagström Super Swede

 If you wanted to list the number of companies that have at least one model in their portfolio that was influenced by the Les Paul, you would really get an impressive list. The Swedish company Hagström, which originally comes from accordion building and has a similar model in its ranks with the Super Swede, should also be on this list. However, the model differs greatly in some details from one of the forefathers of the electric guitar, which is included in the following test of the Hagstrom Super Swede XSOP.

The construction of the Hagstrom Super Swede XSOP

Although at first glance the Hagstrom Super Swede For example, the instrument manufactured in China has the Dual Action H-Expander Trussrod, which is a kind of mini H-steel support that ensures extremely high stability of the neck as well as very good adjustment options and, on the other hand, the fingerboard is made of Resinator wood, a composite material. in which several thin layers of wood are glued together in a vacuum and which is said to be comparable to the resonance properties of the old Black Beauty ebony. Both structural elements are of course protected by trademark law and may only be used under license.

Another special feature are the two belt pins, which are located behind the tailpiece of the bridge construction. They can be used to better position a guitar strap that is used on two different instruments for individual use, as well as to place the instrument on the floor without scratching the instrument's paint. Theoretically, left-handed operation would also be made easier by the lower strap pin, but who would use a Les Paul as a left-handed person without the body being adjusted accordingly? The lack of a cutaway alone would destroy any practicality. Addendum: After consulting with Hagstrom product manager Thomas Türling at the Guitar Summit, my suspicions were confirmed that the two strap pins were actually designed to safely place the instrument on the floor.

When it comes to workmanship, you really have to give the instrument top marks. All painting work, inlay work and adjustment work were carried out excellently and give no cause for complaint. Otherwise, the Hagstrom Super Swede In contrast to the LP, however, Hagstrom places greater emphasis on ergonomic shaping of the body. There are additional recesses at the base of the neck, in the cutaway and on the back of the body, which greatly improves the playability of the instrument.

In addition to the XSOP (“Old Pale”) finish, a kind of cherry sunburst, in which the test instrument is available, the instrument is also available in the finishes Crimson Flame, Dark Storm and Fall Sky Gloss. The top of the body and the fingerboard were additionally bordered with ivory-colored binding.

In terms of weight, the Hagstrom Super Swede XSOP is relatively moderate at just under 3.6 kilograms and remains well below the weight that other Hagstrom instruments occasionally have. Ivoroid is once again used as fingerboard inlays between the 22 frets made of stainless steel, a plastic that looks like ivory and has a stripy “grain”. Visually indicated is the Hagstrom “Crest” coat of arms plus a Hagstrom lion on the 12th fret. With a neck thickness of 20 mm at the 1st fret and 21.5 mm at the 12th fret, a fingerboard radius of 14.4" and a nut width of 43 mm (GraphTech Black Tusq XL), the instrument moves within a moderate range and should be of Most players accept it without any problems.

In contrast to regular Swede, the Super Swede has another special feature when it comes to scale length. In contrast to the normal short scale length that all Les Paul-style guitars usually have, the Hagstrom Super Swede XSOP has a long scale length, which allows it to have a higher bass content and better presence reproduction. When it comes to hardware, the Swedes are also pursuing their own independent course on the Super Swede, with the Long Travel Tune-O-Matic Bridge in combination with the Sustain Block Tailpiece, in which each string has a solid brass block as a holder. The fluted 19:1 Gear Ratio Locking Machine Heads also offer a unique selling point in the tuner sector and have been an integral part of Hagstrom optics for some time.

The Hagstrom Swede Gold pickups

Once again, Hagström is relying on its very own solution when it comes to pickups. In contrast to many other players who work with the big US names in the industry or sometimes develop their own pickups, the Hagstrom Super Swede XSOP has a Lundgren Design AlNiCo-2 No. on the neck. 2 (Medium Output – Calibrated – 7.3K) humbucker and a Lundgren Design AlNiCo-2 No. on the bridge. 5 (High Output – Calibrated – 13.2K) humbuckers. Both humbuckers are splittable and enable single coil operation thanks to the push/pull function of the tone controls. Both pickups sit in frames that visually match the binding. The total of 4 pieces. Hagstrom “H” Barrel Knurled Brass Knobs (Chrome Plated) volume and tone controls are pleasantly stiff and allow for an even control path, with the volume controls having an R/C circuit.

The Hagstrom Super Swede XSOP is delivered in a high-quality case with a tweed look.

The Hagstrom Super Swede XSOP in practice

When you pick up the Hagstrom Super Swede XSOP for the first time, you immediately notice the extraordinary vibration behavior. The sustain of the instrument is outstanding across the entire fingerboard, whether the low bass sides or the treble sides in the upper registers, the instrument has very good vibration behavior, swings in and out quickly and impresses with a long-lasting tone without any dropouts. It appears that the combination of a solid bridge bracket plus the choice of wood and the solid construction are responsible for this floating behavior.

For the long-established Les Paul player there will most likely be two points that differ significantly from the forefather from the USA. On the one hand, the combination of Les Paul haptics with a long scale length is an unusual experience at first grip, although I intentionally do not want to give any judgment here, as the grip behavior can have an effect in one direction or the other depending on your preferences. Anyone coming from the Stratocaster will feel a little more at home here, while players coming from the short scale may pause for a moment here. Ultimately, I estimate that the instrument's excellent playability will provide a balance for both types of players.

The second point, which is rather unusual for the typical Les Paul player, is the consistently subtle but very effective shaping on the body. In particular, the area at the base of the neck and in the cutaway contribute enormously to making the instrument extremely easy to play, especially in the higher registers. The famous fighting at the base of the neck, which is familiar from the blunt transition of the Les Paul, is completely missing here and makes it much easier for the player to implement his musical ideas, especially in the high treble range. As expected, the instrument hangs well on the body thanks to the strap and can also be played very well while sitting due to its shape.

Once again I am impressed by the Lundgren Design pickups, which impress with an independent, yet round and pleasing tone. Despite the relatively strong differences in the winding with the AlNiCo-2 No. 2 (Medium Output – Calibrated – 7.3K) humbucker on the neck and the AlNiCo-5 No. 5 (High Output - Calibrated - 13.2K) Humbucker on the bridge The set doesn't fall apart in terms of sound is due to the tasteful combination of the pickups. The split circuit for a humbucker also proved to be convincing. Although the sound produced came out of the speakers a bit sharper and didn't quite achieve the balance of a pure single-coil pickup, it was still one of the best split sounds I've heard in a long time. In contrast, the humbucker circuit produces a significantly warmer and less treble-emphasized tone and delivers very good results, especially in the crunch range, which extend into the lead range. This is where the pickups can show off their true strengths, from precise riffs to tasteful leads. These types of pickups are less suitable for extreme high-gain metal because, due to individual peaks in the frequency response, they rely more on their own character and less on assertiveness with very high overtones.

The Hagstrom Super Swede XSOP is indeed a first-class rock guitar that can also perform well in blues or jazz. It offers an attractive alternative to traditional models and is characterized by high-quality craftsmanship details and excellent pickups. Anyone looking for an instrument that impresses in terms of versatility as well as precision craftsmanship and first-class pickup solutions will be well served with the Hagstrom Super Swede XSOP.

Conclusion

The Hagstrom Super Swede XSOP is a sonic showcase from the workshop of the renowned Swedish company. The instrument impresses not only with its first-class workmanship, but also with its successful fusion of tradition and innovation. Their sound, although familiar in a certain way, is still unique and is particularly convincing in the areas of clean, crunch and lead.

For those looking for a classic sound that doesn't come from the United States, the Hagstrom Super Swede XSOP is definitely worth a thorough test.

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Additional Informations:

The World of Gibson Les Paul Guitar Copies: Exploring the Replicas

Introduction:
The Gibson Les Paul is an iconic electric guitar that has left an indelible mark on the world of music since its introduction in the early 1950s. Renowned for its rich tone, versatile sound, and timeless design, the Les Paul has become a symbol of excellence and innovation in the realm of electric guitars. However, alongside the original Les Pauls produced by Gibson, a thriving market of replicas and copies has emerged, offering musicians an alternative to the coveted vintage and modern Les Paul models. This article delves into the fascinating world of Gibson Les Paul guitar copies, exploring their history, craftsmanship, and impact on the music industry.

The Origins of Les Paul Copies:
The proliferation of Les Paul copies can be traced back to the 1960s and 1970s when guitar manufacturers in Japan and other countries began producing replicas of popular American electric guitars. Inspired by the success of brands like Gibson, Japanese companies such as Tokai, Greco, and Burny sought to capitalize on the demand for high-quality electric guitars at more affordable price points.

These early Les Paul copies sought to emulate the design, construction, and sound of the original Gibson models, often using similar materials and manufacturing techniques. While some were intended as budget-friendly alternatives for aspiring musicians, others aimed to replicate the premium feel and performance of the genuine Les Pauls.

Craftsmanship and Quality:
Over the years, the craftsmanship and quality of Les Paul copies have evolved, with many manufacturers refining their techniques and incorporating modern innovations. Today, guitar builders around the world produce Les Paul replicas that rival the craftsmanship of their American counterparts, offering musicians a wide range of options to suit their preferences and budgets.

High-end Les Paul copies often feature premium materials such as mahogany bodies, maple tops, and rosewood fingerboards, meticulously crafted to replicate the look and feel of vintage Gibson instruments. Attention to detail, including accurate neck profiles, fretwork, and hardware, is paramount in achieving the authentic Les Paul experience.

In addition to faithful reproductions, some guitar builders offer customized and modified Les Paul copies, allowing players to tailor their instruments to their individual tastes. Whether it's custom pickups, hardware upgrades, or unique finishes, these bespoke replicas offer a personalized touch while retaining the classic Les Paul sound and aesthetic.

The Impact on the Music Industry:
The availability of high-quality Les Paul copies has had a significant impact on the music industry, democratizing access to iconic guitar tones and designs. While purists may argue for the superiority of genuine Gibson Les Pauls, many musicians have found inspiration and satisfaction in playing well-crafted replicas that offer comparable performance at a fraction of the cost.

Les Paul copies have also played a role in shaping musical genres and styles, contributing to the sonic landscapes of rock, blues, jazz, and beyond. Countless artists, from amateur enthusiasts to professional performers, have embraced Les Paul replicas as versatile tools for creative expression, fueling innovation and pushing the boundaries of guitar playing.

Furthermore, the availability of Les Paul copies has fostered a vibrant community of guitar enthusiasts, collectors, and modders who share a passion for these iconic instruments. Online forums, social media groups, and dedicated events provide platforms for enthusiasts to connect, share knowledge, and showcase their prized replicas, further enriching the culture surrounding the Gibson Les Paul.

Conclusion:
The world of Gibson Les Paul guitar copies is a testament to the enduring legacy and influence of this iconic instrument. From humble beginnings as budget-friendly alternatives to premium originals, Les Paul replicas have evolved into finely crafted instruments that stand on their own merits. Whether faithfully reproducing vintage classics or offering customized creations, these replicas continue to inspire musicians and shape the sonic landscape of modern music. As the demand for high-quality electric guitars persists, the legacy of the Gibson Les Paul lives on through a diverse array of replicas that pay homage to its timeless design, legendary sound, and unparalleled craftsmanship.