The Hagstrom Viking Guitar stands as a testament to versatile sound and exceptional craftsmanship within the semi-hollow body electric guitar realm. Renowned for its ability to traverse genres with ease, the Viking confidently delivers from the soulful depths of Blues to the energetic heights of Rock/Fusion and the sophisticated nuances of Jazz. Its sonic signature is characterized by a percussive attack coupled with rich fullness and impressive sustain, making it a favored instrument for discerning musicians. The Hagstrom Viking series encompasses a range of models, each tailored to specific player preferences and tonal needs.
The standard Hagstrom Viking serves as the cornerstone of the series, embodying the core characteristics that define the range. This model is celebrated for its broad sonic palette, readily adapting to diverse musical styles. Its inherent tonal richness and dynamic response make it an ideal choice for players seeking an instrument capable of handling a wide array of genres and playing techniques.
Stepping up in elegance, the Hagstrom Viking Deluxe elevates the aesthetic appeal with its construction entirely from flamed maple. This choice of tonewood not only enhances the guitar’s visual beauty but also contributes to its tonal character. Further distinguished by block inlays along the neck, the Viking Deluxe offers a refined playing experience with a touch of visual sophistication, maintaining the series’ commitment to versatile sound.
For players seeking enhanced tonal depth and articulation, the Hagstrom Super Viking presents a compelling option. Mirroring its solid-body counterpart, the Super Swede, this model features a longer 25.5’/648 mm scale length. This extended scale contributes to a richer, more resonant tone with an added “snap” to the attack, making it particularly well-suited for players who favor brighter tones and increased string tension for tighter riffing and lead work.
The Hagstrom 67 Viking II model channels the spirit of the original 1960s Vikings, blending vintage vibe with contemporary performance. It delivers a classic and punchy humbucker tone that is instantly recognizable and widely appreciated. Furthermore, its single-coil split mode expands its tonal versatility, providing players with access to brighter, single-coil-esque sounds, effectively offering two guitars in one. This model caters to musicians who appreciate vintage aesthetics and tonal flexibility.
Embracing a distinct stylistic direction, the Hagstrom Tremar Viking Deluxe exudes rockabilly flair with its chrome-laden appointments and, most notably, the inclusion of a Tremar vibrato system. This model is visually striking and sonically equipped for genres that benefit from vibrato and tremolo effects, adding expressive capabilities to the Viking platform, while maintaining the core versatility.
Venturing into lower sonic territories, the Hagstrom Viking Deluxe Baritone offers a voice that commands attention with its extended range and powerful sound. Beyond its longer scale length, this model is fitted with a sonically matched and newly developed pickup duo specifically designed to complement the baritone tuning. The result is an exceptionally sonorous and deep tone, ideal for genres requiring lower registers and heavier sounds.
The Hagstrom Tremar Viking Deluxe Baritone further expands the baritone model’s capabilities by incorporating the Tremar system. This combination allows players to explore a vast tonal landscape, from deep, resonant lows to shimmering, vibrato-infused highs. The addition of the tremolo system unlocks further expressive potential within the baritone range, making it a unique and powerful instrument.
For those seeking a richer, more harmonically complex sound, the Hagstrom Viking Deluxe 12-String delivers beautifully. Equipped with built-in H50 humbuckers, this model is capable of producing a wide range of sounds, from classic 60’s jangle to the full-bodied textures of prog rock anthems. It offers a gateway to both vintage and modern 12-string tones within the familiar Viking semi-hollow platform.
Finally, the Hagstrom Viking Limited -The Rod- signature guitar represents a culmination of versatility and personalized design. This model is engineered to capture a diverse array of sonic textures, effortlessly transitioning from punky and heavy tones reminiscent of “Die Ärzte” to the vibrant sounds of the 1960s beat era, as exemplified by ¡Mas Shake!. This signature model highlights the Viking’s adaptability to specific artist needs and tonal preferences, showcasing the breadth of the series’ capabilities.
In conclusion, the Hagstrom Viking guitar series presents a comprehensive range of semi-hollow guitars, each built upon the foundation of versatility and quality. From standard models to specialized variations like baritones and 12-strings, and signature editions, the Viking family offers instruments to inspire players across diverse genres and playing styles, solidifying its place as a respected name in semi-hollow guitar design.
