Hagström Viking vs Gibson ES-335

Comparison of tone on same amp (Peavey Classic 30 tube), same settings.
see http://patrickfinch.com/2010/03/14/hagstrom-viking-my-review/ for full review

Category:

Music

Tags:

• hagstrom
• viking
• gibson
• blues

[1Guitar1joe1]

I'd just like to say thanks for taking the time to write the full review on the hagstrom, it convinced me I was making the right choice in getting one over any other semi acoustic in that price range. Although my girlfriend has just said she'd go halves on a gibson with me for my birthday hmmmmmmmm hahaha

[pad3f]

@1Guitar1joe1 I'm glad you found it useful. Of all the guitars I've owned, I'd have to say the Hagström represents by far the best value. Nice "Crossroads" version on your channel, btw.

[Owen666jagstang]

Very interesting comparison, especially as I have the same amp too. I'm considering a Viking. Is it a more recent Chinese made (after 2004) you're playing? I played one and the fret ends were a little sharp if I remember right. Easy fix though. No issues there

Before 2004, were they all Swedish ?

thanks

O

[pad3f]

@Owen666jagstang Yes, it's a Chinese-made model, full review is linked from the notes above.

[toneo2001]

Hi, thanks for the comparison... How would you compare the necks?

[pad3f]

@toneo2001 I wrote a full review if you follow the link in the video description.

The neck is probably the most remarkable thing about the Hagstrom: it's very fast and has a lot of sustain. The Gibson neck is very deep and sits in your palm. I think I prefer the Gibson neck, it makes you focus more, while the Hagstrom neck feels thin and narrow, but I could easily understand someone prefering the Hagstrom neck. Both seem to have very good intonation and bends never choke on either.

[johnnynocaster]

Just listening, there is very little difference if any between the two. Just because one says Gibson on the headstock and it costs twice as much doesn't make it a better guitar. I have a Gibson B.B. King Lucille and it plays like crap. I had a Hag electric 12 back in 1965 and it was a great guitar. I've learned over the years that because it says Gibson or Made in USA doesn't make it any better.

[vylelixyspy]

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Customer Reviews:

The Hagstrom Viking Tremar is the best all-around 355 style guitar that I have tried. It compares well to other semi-hollows that are twice or three times the price. The gold metallic color adds an extra dimension. The paint is perfect and appears to have a durable finish. The tremar vibrato is a bit easier to use than the standard ...

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[perfuzz]

@TheCockLol - Actually, that's why I even bid on a Hagstrom in the first place. The neck comes with a h-shaped truss rod. No label out there is as reliable as a Hagström neck, not by a long-shot. (At lest any I know of, he he.) Look it up on google or something, truss rod hagström, and you'll probably find pictures of it.

[TheCockLol]

@perfuzz Can ye tell me if it has any neck dive or anything? its pretty much a deciding factor at the moment :)

[perfuzz]

I bought a Hagström viking in ebay a couple of years back More or less by chance and didn't think much of it at first. But hands down, it's the best guitar I have when it comes to all-round usage. The quality isn't in the same league as my Rickenbacker, Gibon or Fenders but the sound is easier to use. So whenever I'm gigging without knowing what amp I'm going to use the Viking is a safe bet. Heaps of value for the money.

[TheCockLol]

Hey there, love the playing, sounds great! Was just wondering after reading your review, do you have any problems with neck dive? I'm just curious because it has a long neck and i'm very cautious of neck dive because it doesn't usually get spoken about and a while ago i bought an Epiphone EB3-SG which had appalling neck dive. It is my greatest fear! Thanks very much!!

[takeshioto]

Just wanna ask, is the hagstrom's body abit bigger than the Gibson or are they the same size..

[aektzis91]

I reckon with a bigsby trem, locking tuners, less ugly knobs and new pickups that hagstrom would be a fantastic instrument!!

[vnikosv]

Hagström Viking was perfect!

[lesleypaul59]

GIBSON is 1st choice !!! LES

[rhykko77]

I don't really think there is any competition......the Gibson is RED and RED always wins !