I found a shop local to me to give my 1960's Hagstrom bass (inherited from my grandfather via my mom) some attention and care. I found that my grandfather had performed a few unorthodox repairs on it: for example, a nail file was used under the bridge as a crude spacer. I had those reverted with proper repairs. My grandfather had put this big pick guard on it. I had it reworked to be removeable so it can be reattached and resemble how it looked when he played it. Finally, I had new GHS Bass Boomers strings put on it as I couldn't feel the original taperounds that were on it.
That work made it a much more comfortable and interesting guitar to play. I'm having fun with it. Very happy with the work too. Gentleman in the shop treated it carefully like the family heirloom it is. Only what should be fixed was repaired. It has a punchy, staccato sound to it, at least compared to my Squire bass.
Now I'm interested in learning more about it. Information I've found on the web is conflicting or unclear, so I don't really know what I have other than a Hagstrom bass. On the back is a number 604139. My understanding is the first three numbers are the batch numbers with the last three being the specific number of guitar in that batch.
I'd like a deeper understanding of the characteristics of Hagstrom basses of this era, along with characteristics/specifics of the one I have. My grandfather played in a church band that toured in the Midwest during the 60's-70's and cut a couple of gospel records in Illinois (I have one of them still in the plastic wrapper). While in the shop, anytime the bass was seen by visitors it gathered attention. Several inquiries about my interest in selling it came my way, both from other customers and friends of their employees. Luckily it was made clear that 'the owner is not interested in selling a family heirloom'. The interest in it made me smile, though I'm more interested in actually playing it.
Can anyone help fill in my ignorance about this bass?
Much thanks in advance.
* edited for typos
That work made it a much more comfortable and interesting guitar to play. I'm having fun with it. Very happy with the work too. Gentleman in the shop treated it carefully like the family heirloom it is. Only what should be fixed was repaired. It has a punchy, staccato sound to it, at least compared to my Squire bass.
Now I'm interested in learning more about it. Information I've found on the web is conflicting or unclear, so I don't really know what I have other than a Hagstrom bass. On the back is a number 604139. My understanding is the first three numbers are the batch numbers with the last three being the specific number of guitar in that batch.
I'd like a deeper understanding of the characteristics of Hagstrom basses of this era, along with characteristics/specifics of the one I have. My grandfather played in a church band that toured in the Midwest during the 60's-70's and cut a couple of gospel records in Illinois (I have one of them still in the plastic wrapper). While in the shop, anytime the bass was seen by visitors it gathered attention. Several inquiries about my interest in selling it came my way, both from other customers and friends of their employees. Luckily it was made clear that 'the owner is not interested in selling a family heirloom'. The interest in it made me smile, though I'm more interested in actually playing it.
Can anyone help fill in my ignorance about this bass?
Much thanks in advance.* edited for typos
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