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HAGSTROM | VIKING

Hagstrom Viking

Vintage semi acoustic six string guitar

Images taken from the 1966 and 1975 Hagstrom catalogues

Hagstrom Viking V-1
ModelHagstrom Viking V-1
Available1965-1972
PickupsTwo single coil
Scale24 3/4"
BodyBound body. Dimensions: 18 1/2" X 16 1/4" X 1 3/4"
NeckRosewood fingerboard, dot inlays. Fender-style headstock
HardwareTwo volume and tone controls, pickup selector switch, chrome plated hardware
OptionsHagstrom Bigsby vibrato (model VB-1)
FinishesMahogany sunburst, Golden mahogany sunburst, cherry red
Hagstrom Viking V-2
ModelHagstrom Viking V-2
(Deluxe)
Available1967-1968
PickupsTwo single coil
Scale24 3/4"
BodyBound body and f-holes. Flamed maple and spruce
NeckEbony fingerboard, block inlays. Bound neck and Fender-style headstock.
HardwareTwo volume and tone controls, pickup selector switch, gold plated hardware
OptionsHagstrom Bigsby vibrato (model VB-2)
FinishesMahogany sunburst, Golden mahogany sunburst, cherry red
Hagstrom Viking V-1N
ModelHagstrom Viking V-1N
(HG802 / Scandia)
Available1972-1975
PickupsTwo humbuckers
Scale24 3/4"
BodyBound birch
NeckBirch neck with rosewood fingerboard, dot inlays. Bound, new-shape headstock with plain inlay
HardwareTwo volume and tone controls, pickup selector switch, 3-way tone switch, chrome plated hardware. Van Ghent tuners.
FinishesNatural, sunburst, cherry
Hagstrom Viking from the 1965/66 Selmer catalogueHagstrom Viking from the 1965/66 Selmer catalogue

The Hagstrom Viking in the 1965/66 Selmer catalogue as follows:

A new guitar from this brilliant Swedish manufacturer - designed to meet the increasing demand for the electro-acoustic sound. Two powerful, high-gain pick-ups eliminate all unwanted sounds and give exceptionally wide tonal range. Slim, fast, low action neck; head in the modern, accepted style, fitted with high-accuracy chromium plated machine heads. Bridge adjustable for height and position to permit fine tuning of individual strings. The overall high standard of finish and performance make this guitar comparable with the finest models available today. A new guitar destined to become a firm favourite.

As the name implies, the Hagstrom Viking was of Nordic (Swedish) origin, and was making it's presence strongly felt, 'invading' the UK and other parts of Europe from 1965. Initially this name does not seem to have been used in the US, where the word Viking presumably had less resonance, and it was simply designated the V-1.

It was a thinline semi-acoustic guitar, with two pickups; an instrument very much in the style of the Gibson ES335 or Guild Starfire, however structurally quite different. With its bolt-on neck, hollow body (no central block) and Fender style headstock it is actually more akin to other guitars such as the Fender Coronado or Harmony H72, both of which were launched around the same time, 1965/66.

1967 Hagstrom Viking. Image Heritage auctions

Hagstrom Viking companion models

It had a companion 12-string version, produced in a single batch in 1967, and also a bass model, the Viking bass (or Concord in the US) produced between 1965 and 1971.

Elvis Presley at his 1968 Comeback Special, with Hagstrom Viking II

The late sixties saw the introduction of a short-lived deluxe model, the Viking 2 - famously played by Elvis Presley during his '68 come back performance. Functionally identical, however with finer trim; gold plated hardware, bound neck, body headstock and f-holes, ebony fingerboard with block inlays.

Shortly after the discontinuation of the V-2, the V-1 model was redesigned to have humbucker pickups, three way tone switch, and a new Hagstrom headstock. This was designated V-1N, or during Ampeg's tenure as US distributor, the Scandia or HG802.

Finally from 1978 the model reverted to its original name - simply the Viking, however it kept its humbucking pickups, but now gaining a Fleur de Lys headstock inlay, and the central maple block of the Gibson ES guitars.

Shipping data for the Hagstrom Viking is roughly as follows:

ModelProduction YearsNumber Produced
Hagstrom Viking1965-19729241
Hagstrom Viking 12 string1967651
Hagstrom Viking II1967-19681000
Hagstrom Viking I N1972-19751845
Hagstrom Viking 1978-1979410

Hagstrom Viking catalogue appearances

Hagstrom guitars were available from several different distributors worldwide, including Merson, Unicord, Arc and Ampeg in the US and Canada, and Selmer in the UK and commonwealth. Have a look at the Hagstrom Viking in some of the catalogues below.

Hagstrom Viking for sale

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Hagstrom Viking Electric Guitar

Hagstrom Viking Electric Guitar

Carpentersville, Illinois, 601**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$500

Perfect for smooth jazz, blues, or rock tones. This versatile instrument delivers rich, resonant sound with the classic semi-hollow body design, offering both warmth and sustain
Includes:?? Hangstrom Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar (in Good condition)?? Guitar Pick (ready to play)?? Sturdy Guitar Stand (for secure display / storage)?? Premium Leather Case (for protection and easy transport)?? Capo (available upon request)
Additional Service:? Free string replacement available if requested ... more
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Set Hagstrom Viking II 67 guitar pickups set pots

Set Hagstrom Viking II 67 guitar pickups set pots

Lubec, Maine, 046**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$127

Up for sale is a set of Hagstrom Viking II 67 guitar pickups and pots. Gold screws included. Like new, work fine. As pictured.... more
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Hagstrom Viking Dlx 12 String Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitar Wild Cherry Fi

Hagstrom Viking Dlx 12 String Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitar Wild Cherry Fi

Buffalo, New York, 142**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$880

Super Fast Same Day Shipping
Overall Excellent / Mint Condition with Hard Case. Just Set up with New Strings. Looks, Plays, and Sounds Excellent!
The Hagstrom Viking Deluxe 12 is a semi-hollow, 12-string electric guitar with a 24 75-inch scale length and a 15-inch radius Resinator fretboard. It features a flamed maple body, a set-neck construction with a Canadian hard maple neck, and two Hagstrom H-50 humbucking pickups. The guitar also includes a long travel Tune-O-Matic bridge, a trapeze... more
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Hagstrom ??67 Viking II Hollowbody Body Black Finish

Hagstrom ??67 Viking II Hollowbody Body Black Finish

Charlotte, North Carolina, 282**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$800

Here I havea Hagstrom ??67 Viking II Hollowbody Body Black Finish
I buy, repair and resell musical instruments. I generally receive guitars damaged fromshipping, factory seconds, store returns, or open box items from mydistributors.
This guitaris an open box item. For the most part, it is new. I have set the action to myliking and it plays well, it very fun to play, and sounds exceptional throughmy Fender amp. I have even left the felt cloth underneath the bridge, it isthat new.
I ... more
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Hagstrom Viking Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitar Tobacco Sunburst Guitar

Hagstrom Viking Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitar Tobacco Sunburst Guitar

Charlotte, North Carolina, 282**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$650

Here I have a Hagstrom Viking Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitar Tobacco Sunburst Guitar
I buy, repair and resell musical instruments. I generally receive shipping damaged guitars from the factory or a distributor. I also receive store returns or open box items
This guitar came from my Distributor with no strings. I inspected the guitar and there is no blemish or flaw. I placed new strings on this guitar, tuned, and played. The action is very low and fast (at least for me lol). This is a ... more
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Hagstrom Viking Baritone Guitar Hollowbody In Brown Burst

Hagstrom Viking Baritone Guitar Hollowbody In Brown Burst

Whittier, California, 906**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$749

Used in like new condition well cared for and maintained Guitar
Hagstrom Viking Baritone guitar Hollow body in Brown burst
Case not included
... more
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Hagstrom 67 Viking II Limited-Edition Hollowbody Electric Guitar Sunburst

Hagstrom '67 Viking II Limited-Edition Hollowbody Electric Guitar Sunburst

Okemah, Oklahoma, 748**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$550

I previously purchased this amazing Guitar a year ago for 1, 500. The guitar has been played well and has new guitar strings. The hard travel case will be sold along with it! Which was originally an extra $200. The more I played the more I realized that I do not need this beautiful guitar. I hate to let this amazing guitar go, but I am an acoustic guitarist.... more
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Hagstrom Viking 1967

Hagstrom Viking 1967

Englewood, Florida, 342**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2200

Vintage hagstrom viking! Looks good and plays great, has alot of options for controling tone and puts out a great sound!! An awesome buy if you are into semi-hollowbody guitars. All original and set up ready to rock!!!
Serial: 714503
... more
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Hagstrom 67 Viking II Electric Guitar Vintage Sunburst

Hagstrom '67 Viking II Electric Guitar Vintage Sunburst

Fresno, California, 937**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$599


Hagstrom ??67 Viking II electric guitar offers modern-day technology for a classic and punchy tone. Equipped with specially developed dual-coiled Hagstrom mini-humbucking pickups, this hollowbody electric guitar evokes the golden age of rock / pop music with splittable single-coil mode also available for complete tonal flexibility
... more
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Hagstrom Super Viking - Dandy Dandelion

Hagstrom Super Viking - Dandy Dandelion

La Vergne, Tennessee, 370**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$600

Weight 6lb 2oz
Up for sale is a Hagstrom Super Viking in Dandy Dandelion! The guitar is in excellent condition with only a small scuff on part of the serial on the back of the headstock. The electronics have been playtested and are working as intended. There may be some light surface scratches on the finish but otherwise is in excellent condition. This guitar does NOT include a gig-bag or case
Description
Versatile tone, incredible playability, and sleek looks have powered the Hagstrom... more
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Hagstrom Viking Electric Short-Scale Bass Guitar Black 197881135690 OB

Hagstrom Viking Electric Short-Scale Bass Guitar Black 197881135690 OB

Kansas City, Missouri, 641**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$800

... more
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1966 Hagstrom Viking II - Gold Factory Bigsby - Great Vintage Guitar

1966 Hagstrom Viking II - Gold Factory Bigsby - Great Vintage Guitar

Dayton, Ohio, 454**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1800

For your consideration is this 1966 Hagstrom Viking II in a sunburst finish. Overall the guitar is in very good shape with only light to moderate play wear. Gold Factory Bigsby! Normal use and age is shown in parts of the body. Some checking in finish on back of headstock. The original factory pickups sounds really warm and vintage but have enough bite for even hard rock. Playability is excellent with low action & no fret wear
Comes with a nice hardshell case. (56)
Weight: 6lb 7oz | ... more
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1960s Hagstrom Viking Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar with hardcase

1960's Hagstrom Viking Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar with hardcase

Omaha, Nebraska, 681**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1000

Crafted for the discerning guitarist, the 1960's Hagstrom Viking Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar is a true vintage treasure. Its striking red body is a classic semi-hollow design, offering a blend of solid and hollow tones that is perfect for various musical genres. The guitar comes equipped with a 6-string configuration, ensuring a comfortable and familiar playing experience for right-handed musicians Included with this exceptional piece is an original hardcase, preserving the guitar's historic ... more
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Hagstrom Viking 1967 Vintage Electric Guitar Semi hollow Rare

Hagstrom Viking 1967 Vintage Electric Guitar Semi hollow Rare

Grants Pass, Oregon, 975**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1400

Rare 1967 hagstrom 12 string vintage guitar in working condition. Has been set up by a luthier comes with a hard shell case
... more
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1970s HAGSTROM VIKING V-1N ELECTRIC GUITAR, RED FINISH EXCEPTIONALLY FINE COND.

1970's HAGSTROM VIKING V-1N ELECTRIC GUITAR, RED FINISH EXCEPTIONALLY FINE COND.

Harrison, Arkansas, 726**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$895

This is an exceptionally fine 1970's Hagstrom Viking V-1N. The original red finish shows no playing wear. There's a few insignificant scuff marks on the pickguard, and some fingerprint etching on the pickup caps and metal tailpiece from not wiping off one's fingertip oils, and that's it! Otherwise, this fine guitar would be considered near-mint
The neck is straight, and the frets show no fret wear, as seen in the close-up picture. The neck has a medium-thin depth C-shape neck contour and ... more
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Hagstrom 67 Viking II LE Hollowbody Guitar Vintage Sunburst 197881102272 OB

Hagstrom '67 Viking II LE Hollowbody Guitar Vintage Sunburst 197881102272 OB

Kansas City, Missouri, 641**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$896

... more
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Hagstrom 67 Viking II Hollowbody Guitar Transparent Wild Cherry 197881069827 OB

Hagstrom '67 Viking II Hollowbody Guitar Transparent Wild Cherry 197881069827 OB

Kansas City, Missouri, 641**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$896

... more
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Hagstrom 67 Viking II Hollowbody Guitar Transparent Wild Cherry 197881072759 OB

Hagstrom '67 Viking II Hollowbody Guitar Transparent Wild Cherry 197881072759 OB

Kansas City, Missouri, 641**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$896

... more
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Hagstrom 67 Viking II Hollowbody Guitar Transparent Wild Cherry 197881051730 OB

Hagstrom '67 Viking II Hollowbody Guitar Transparent Wild Cherry 197881051730 OB

Kansas City, Missouri, 641**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$896

... more
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Hagstrom Viking Short-Scale Bass Guitar Transparent Cherry 197881143794 OB

Hagstrom Viking Short-Scale Bass Guitar Transparent Cherry 197881143794 OB

Kansas City, Missouri, 641**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$800

... more
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Find more Hagstrom Viking for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co

There are 4 comments on this article so far. Add your comment

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Daniel Comment left 14th September 2022 20:08:51 reply
This is the very first guitar I have ever seen in my life, my neighbor used to have one
Rob Lewis Comment left 28th June 2021 00:12:59 reply
Trying to ID a Hagstrom my wife picked up a few years ago. It matches the description of the V-2 except the tailpiece, which is a simple top-mounted anchor with a mostly rectangular chrome cover that appears to snap on. (Frankly, not a fan of the original "lyre" tailpiece style!). There are 5 screw holes around the bottom strap peg that I assume were used to attach the original tailpiece. S/N is 718003. No model designation on it. Anybody know anything?
raul abella from spain Comment left 16th January 2017 21:09:19 reply
I search parts from the Hastrom Viking 1967 V-2 deluxe. Is possible for sale catalogue , and other parts ( pickguard, etc..) sorry for my hungry write
Gavin Comment left 28th October 2014 22:10:57 reply
Hi, No mention of the Hagstrom Viking XII in your Viking section??

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1973 Hagstrom Swede Bass

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1968 Selmer guitar catalogue

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1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin' Care

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1973 Eko Ranger Folk

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1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar The Symphonic bass was built in the UK, by Vox parent company JMI. It was the Vox equivalent to the Fender Precision bass, and was one of the most expensive Vox guitars produced. It was actually a great playing bass, rather similar to the Precision in feel and sound, but was probably just too expensive compared to an actual Fender and consequently sold poorly. When Vox hit financial problems in 1968, unsold guitars and basses were passed on to Dallas Arbiter, who briefly sold the excess Symphonic bass stock as model 4537. This bass, although with a neck date of February 1966, was most likely one of the unsold Vox guitars sold on by Dallas Arbiter. Check out the bass, and the two video demos through 1960s Ampeg and WEM amplifiers.

1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog

1968 Shaftesbury catalogThe 1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog was just four pages long, and contained four guitar models: the six string Barney Kessel-style 3264; and three Rickenbacker-styled semi-acoustic models: the six-string 3261, the twelve string 3262 and the 3263 bass. Shaftesbury was the house-brand of major UK distributor Rose-Morris, and seems to have been launched as a response to the company's loss of it's distribution deal with Rickenbacker. The guitars were mid-priced, and built in (initially) Japan, and later Italy, by Eko

1970 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns Celebrated Classics' catalog

1970 Rose_Morris catalog1970 Rose-Morris catalog, dated April 1970. It featured 6 electric guitars, 32 acoustic guitars, 3 basses and 1 steel guitar. It contains the following instruments, over 20 pages: Electric guitars: Shaftesbury 3261, 3262, 3264, 3265, 3400; Top Twenty 1970; Bass: Shaftesbury 3263, 3266; Top Twenty 1971; Acoustic guitars: Eko Rio Bravo, Rio Bravo 12, Ranchero, Ranchero 12, Colorado, Ranger, Ranger Folk, Ranger 12; Aria 1674, 1675, 1676, 1679, 1680, 1695, 'John Pearse' Jumbo, 'John Pearse' Folk; Rose-Morris 15-11, Kansas, Georgian, Florida; Suzuki 1663, 1664, 1665, 3054, 3055, 3060; Tatay 1713, 1714, 1715; Peerless 3052; Steel guitar: Aria 3425

1971 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns' catalog

1971 Rose_Morris catalogThe sixteen-page 1971 Rose-Morris catalog featured electric guitars by Rose-Morris' own brand, Shaftesbury, and budget brand Top Twenty; aswell as acoustics by Eko, Aria, and for the first time Ovation. The catalog contains the following instruments: Electric guitars: Shaftesbury 3261, 3264, 3265, 3400, 3402; Top Twenty 1970; Bass: Shaftesbury 3263, 3266; Top Twenty 1971; Acoustic guitars: Ovation: Balladeer, 12 String, Glen Campbell, Glen Campbell 12 string; Eko Rio Bravo, Rio Bravo 12, Ranger, Ranger Folk, Ranger 12, Colorado, Ranchero, Ranchero 12, Studio 'L'; Rose-Morris Florida; Aria 'John Pearse' Jumbo, 'John Pearse' Folk

1972 Fender Precision bass

1972 Fender PrecisionA detailed look at an early 1970s Fender Precision bass guitar in custom black finish, with rosewood fretboard. 1972 list price, $307.50. The Fender Precision had been shipping since at least very early 1952 - with just one re-design circa 1957. This example, then, shows a model already two decades old, but barely changed since the '57 revamp. Fender got it right first time around, and although there are numerous minor cosmetic differences, the essence of this bass is effectively the same as it was in '52: a simple, single pickup instrument with a GREAT sound. Check out the demo video through an old Ampeg B15. It's no wonder this is the bass that everybody wants!

1967 Vox Stroller

1967 Vox StrollerThe Vox Stroller was the brand's entry level electric solid body guitar, fitted with just one pickup and a fixed tailpiece. Although aimed at student guitarists, it wasn't a terrible instrument, but did lack somewhat in adjustability, having no accessible truss rod and only a floating rosewood bridge. But this example is actually quite an improvement on earlier versions, with a standard 1/4" jack and a solid mahogany body. 1967 price £18 2s. JMI ceased UK guitar production in late '67, and combined with decreasing demand for the Stroller, this surely must be one of the last examples shipped.

1963 Vox Clubman Bass (left handed)

1963 Vox Clubman Bass left handedA nice example of the Vox Clubman II bass, built by JMI in Dartford, Kent in 1963. This is a lightweight bass, short (30") scale and very easy to play. It is an early example, and as such has a thin black scratchplate and side mounted, coaxial output jack. JMI offered left handed examples of their solid body Vox guitars and basses at 10% premium. Production numbers are unclear, but left-handed examples rarely come up for sale

1977 Gibson ES Artist 'prototype'

1977 Gibson ES Artist prototypeNot to be confused with the Gibson ES Artist launched by Gibson in 1979; this ES Artist was an early model designed by the Gibson research and development team in Kalamazoo in 1977, the instruments themselves constructed by Gibson artist Chuck Burge. It was planned for launch as a high end semi acoustic with 335-style construction (central maple block) and innovative circuitry - but was pulled at the last minute, being deemed too expensive. Apparently, several examples were produced with varying specifications, though exactly how many actually left the Kalamazoo plant is unclear. Certainly two guitars were sold to LaVonne Music by Gibson in around 1980. Read more about the development of this guitar, with details from Chuck Burge and the story of it's sale to LaVonne music