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Hagstrom Super Swede bass

V

vij

Nov 21, 2007
30
0
#1
Hello. I have seen on original 1980 Hagstrom Super Swede bass for sale. I am very interested in potentially buying it. The problem is that ist about 1000km away and i can not go there due to corona.

Had anyone ever tried an original Super Swede. What are they like. They look very jazz bassish. How do they compare. Any inputs are very welcome.

Thanks in advance. Joakim
 
#3
Only 364 Super Swedes were made originally, so it's not a bass you can expect many people to report on. Most are in Sweden. You might find some more expansive responses on https://pratabas.se/ - there are a few owners there.

On the other foot, the current "Northen" series of Super Swede reissues made in the Czech Republic are very good. Gotta love mahogany.

Super Swede Bass by Hagstrom Guitars of Sweden
 
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#4
VIJ, Rutger Gunnarsson, bassist for ABBA, used a Super Swede later on in the piece. I always thought it was an extraordinarily good sounding bass, especially in his hands. You're right of course, it's very jazz bass-ish, but I think that's to be expected, as Rutger played a Fender jazz and the Super Swede is basically Hagstrom's take on what would otherwise constitute a Rutger Gunnarsson 'signature' instrument. I wouldn't be surprised if Rutger himself provided input into the design etc.

I am a big fan of the jazz bass and I'd have no hesitation in rocking one of these. Buy it man, you only live once !:)

You might catch a glimpse of Rutger using it in this live ABBA concert recorded for TV in '81

 
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#5
vij said:
No one has a Super Swede?
Click to expand...
I owned a Northen Super Swede reissue in 2017. It was an amazing and beautiful bass. I foolishly moved it along and have been searching for another. The original 80's versions are very expensive, like buying '60s Fenders.

The Northen Super Swede was like a Jazz bass on steroids. Massive sound and the tone rang out for days. My problem with it was that my technique was poor. I hadn't really learned string muting techniques, so the low E was always ringing out on me. I felt it was "too much bass" for me. Now that my technique has drastically improved I would love another.

I've found this re-issue in Norway for 22000 KR (about $3360 CAD, $2590 USD)... Hagstrøm Northen Super Swede Bass

056_1678209772.jpg


And there is this original in Denmark for 4031 Euro (about $6,260 CAD, $4820 USD)... Hagstrom Guitars Super Swede Bass 1980 Sunburst Bass For Sale Plektrum
Hagstrom-guitars-Super-Swede-bass-1980-Sunburst-big.jpg


Keep in mind there are also the current production Super Swede basses produced by Hagstrom out of China. Definitely more affordable ($1050 USD)... https://www.guitarcenter.com/Hagstr...Bass-Guitar-Natural-Mahogany-1500000139130.gc
 
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#6
Thanks for the replys. It looks like they are lovely basses. That Danish bass is actually the bass that I am interested in.

I am a huge Jazz Bass fan. For the moment playing a Jazz 62AVRI. Many years ago I had a fantastic 74 Jazz bass that I stupidly traded. I am also Swedish but I dont live in Sweden since 25 years and I guess thats another reason that I am interested in them.

Jocke
 
#14
I got one used for a good price, and am very happy with it so far. My first neck-thru bass and by far the nicest looking instrument I’ve owned to date. Sets up real nice and plays really well. It’s fairly ‘live’ sounding with lots of loud bright overtones in every note, for better or worse. ‘Piano-like’. Playing it unplugged is even satisfying. I toned it down with some pressure wound strings and it’s working for me. Grabbing under the strings and pulling is not really happening with this one, very little clearance between the strings and ‘resonator’ board. Sustain is great.
Overall sound is aggressive but smooth.
Best thing is ergonomic…super lightweight and comfortable. Id recommend one for sure.
 
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#16
Well, I have one here that I am willing to part with. It is a great bass, but due to spousal pressure the herd must be thinned. I am a huge Rutger Gunnerson fan, he was a most unique bassist. Even playing in a kitsch band like ABBA, he exceled. He really made their music beyond interesting, and I continue to listen to their music. It is my understanding that he had direct input into the development of this bass. The one in my possession is a Northen, and it was made in Europe from Swedish parts.
 
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#18
Rhuddy said:
Well, I have one here that I am willing to part with. It is a great bass, but due to spousal pressure the herd must be thinned. I am a huge Rutger Gunnerson fan, he was a most unique bassist. Even playing in a kitsch band like ABBA, he exceled. He really made their music beyond interesting, and I continue to listen to their music. It is my understanding that he had direct input into the development of this bass. The one in my possession is a Northen, and it was made in Europe from Swedish parts.
Click to expand...
What colour is the one you are selling?
 

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