NGD - Hagstrom Ultra Swede

[t_ross33]

Just got a call the other day that a band cancelled and the event organizers needed an opening act fast and we got the nod :dude Next Wednesday evening we will be opening for Canaidan Rock icons TROOPER!!!! Just a 90min set, backline provided and good coin!! I can't believe it.

To celebrate (and because my wife couldn't find anything for my Christmas or birthday presents) I picked up a new Ulta Swede that I spied in the window of my local music store. It has a beautiful Gold Eagle Burst finish, great pearloid binding and sweet pearl inlays... I LOVE the look of this beauty. (Pics to follow)

Nice and light, with a belly-cut, so very comfortable to play. The neck radius is flatter and wider than what I have been used to (my Tele and Strat are 9.5) ...more LP-ish, but I'm finding it very easy to play. The sound is quite a bit brighter than an LP, and has almost acoustic qualities... kinda "chimey". The coil-tap switch and very responsive volume and tone controls combine for lots of tonal variations. Doesn't really "twang" like a Tele, or "cluck" like a Strat, but gets in the ballpark in it's own way.

Oh, and since I'm such a good customer, I'm getting a Hagstrom hardshell case thrown in the deal as well (about a $150 value).

Pictures will follow soon, and watch for a gig report!

 

[Robert]

Awesome Trev, congrats!

Hagstrom make really great guitars, no matter what the model.

Congrats on that gig too! Our band opened up for Trooper in Camrose back in 2007.

 

[MAXIFUNK]

Good luck on the gig!
A haggie is on my short gas list!

 

[Tig]

Mmmmmm, Ultra Swede! Nice going!
That is on my short list for a LP type of guitar.

Can't wait to read about the gig...

 

[Spudman]

It's interesting that some of the Swedes have a 24.75 scale and others have a 25.5 scale. Enjoy your new guitar and the concert.

 

[oldguy]

Congratulations, Trev, on the Hag and the gig!:applause

 

[Geoffrey Charles]

Congrats!

 

[sunvalleylaw]

Nice and Congrats!!!! but :worthless (I know they are coming buy I can be impatient.) Sounds like it will be great!

 

[Brian Krashpad]

Congrats on the guitar and break a leg with the gig. Trooper used to be pretty big back in the day, I assume even moreso in Canadia than down heah.

And yes, pics.

PS-- by "coil tap," do you mean coil split? Many people use the terms interchangeably, but if the switch renders the HB's into single coils, it's a coil split. A coil tap reduces the number of windings used on a HB, but does not "split" one whole coil entirely out of the circuit.

 

[t_ross33]

PS-- by "coil tap," do you mean coil split? Many people use the terms interchangeably, but if the switch renders the HB's into single coils, it's a coil split. A coil tap reduces the number of windings used on a HB, but does not "split" one whole coil entirely out of the circuit.

Yes, I believe the correct term would be "coil split"... "tap" was how I first heard it... old habits - lol!

And yes, Trooper was HUGE in Canada in the day, and still very popular on the classic/nostalgia rock circuit.

 

[Commodore 64]

Please do not respond to this thread unless it is to post pics.

 

[Brian Krashpad]

Yes, I believe the correct term would be "coil split"... "tap" was how I first heard it... old habits - lol!

And yes, Trooper was HUGE in Canada in the day, and still very popular on the classic/nostalgia rock circuit.

Ah, cool, thanks. Not trying to be the grammar police, just trying to keep things clear in my own mental (insert joke here) list of products/specs.

I figured that that was probably true of Trooper. I remember the name, but honestly that's about it. Funny how some bands are big in their home country but don't catch on elsewhere, even with a common language and/or geographical proximity.

Cheers.

 

[Brian Krashpad]

Please do not respond to this thread unless it is to post pics.

Haha, I'm thinking that's Trevor's call.

 

[t_ross33]

Haha, I'm thinking that's Trevor's call.

ha ha! Pics coming soon I promise... had to leave the new baby at home for a few days while enjoying some vacation time with the family. Have a "funny" story about the toboggan hill and almost dislocating my elbow just days before a big gig... but maybe will save that for another thread... :thwap

Don't worry, on the mend... all systems "Go"

 

[t_ross33]

Pictures, as promised

Don't really do it justice... might have to play around with my camera and lighting etc.... one day... maybe

I present to you, the Ultra Swede:

You may commence drooling :drool :dude

 

[sunvalleylaw]

:drool :drool :drool

. . . ok, I will! So how are you liking it? Since I like my Viking so much, when I do go for a paul type someday, I will really consider it. Probably one with a trem bar on it too, so I can scratch my "Ol Black" itch.

 

[MichaelE]

Man, that's purdy!

Really a beautiful guitar. :applause :applause :applause

 

[t_ross33]

:drool :drool :drool

. . . ok, I will! So how are you liking it? Since I like my Viking so much, when I do go for a paul type someday, I will really consider it. Probably one with a trem bar on it too, so I can scratch my "Ol Black" itch.

I'm really enjoying it. Taking some gettin' used to as it is VERY bright and you have to work with it a bit to dial in the tone you are looking for. That said, this thing can cover a lot of territory if you take your time.

I think the "resonator" neck had a lot to do with it. Not sure how to describe it, but with a Tele, for instance, you get Twang but can still sense some wood there, the Ultra Swede pushes towards National Steel territory... well, maybe that's a stretch, but I hope it gets the idea across. Not that it's a bad thing... it certainly isn't... if I could really wail I'm sure solos would just *sing* on this guitar.

Now my only problem is deciding which 2 electrics are going to come with me to a gig :thwap I have a feeling I'll be mixing and matching a lot :happy

 

[guitarhack]

Beautiful guitar! I think I feel a little GAS coming on.

 

[duhvoodooman]

EEZ NIZE!!!! :AOK :dude :applause

 

[Tig]

You may commence drooling :drool :dude

Um... I might need a mop!
Very nice Ultra Swede, and interesting on how their new resonator fingerboard brightens the tone.