Author Topic: Hagstrom 8 String (Read 514 times)

hb3 · « **on:** July 10, 2011, 02:10:27 PM »

So I was doing a gig Friday afternoon, and some guy came in and gave me an old Hagstrom 8 string...I know, lucky...maybe...

I know nothing about these guitars so I'm here to access the vast knowledge base of the Alembic club.

There's three strings currently on it and they fret out. I'm guessing this is because the instrument is set up for the full 8 strings, which is a lot of tension, so without that the neck is bowing backwards. However, looking at the neck from the side, it seems like there's a bit of a twist to it, and look at the bridge...is that normal?

Anyway, I was thinking of just throwing an 8 string set on there and seeing what happens. It looks like a short scale neck, though, and all I see on juststrings.com are 34-35 scale.

hb3 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 10, 2011, 02:11:42 PM »

Bridge.

peoplechipper · « **Reply #2 on:** July 10, 2011, 11:33:03 PM »

Yeah, that's normal. Lucky you! put fresh strings on and enjoy! the neck should be fine with a whole set on but you'll wanna put light gauge strings on there as it's a thin neck(although that Hagstrom h-bar truss rod works well)...I just bought a reissue one and it's fun to play but the old ones are very cool...they are short scale, my new one is 30.75 but maybe that is a good thing as you're fretting 2 strings at once?...anyway, enjoy it as I know you will as Hagstroms are easy and fun to play; I'm on my third one and I sometimes kick myself for selling my 2 old ones(trying to resist G.A.S. to no avail...) Tony

seventhsunbass · « **Reply #3 on:** July 10, 2011, 11:50:03 PM »

That is a nice find. The 8 string basses are a rare bird but they have their uses, i.e. power trio for instance. I had an Ibanez MC980, which was a 32 scale, on which I used D'Addario Electric Bass XL Nickel 8 string set. Even though they say 'Long Scale', I found they worked very well and were very punchy and bright.

keith_h · « **Reply #4 on:** July 11, 2011, 05:32:18 AM »

The Hagstrom 8 is a 30.75 inch short scale. I have used the D'Addario XL Nickel 8 string set on mine for a number of years without problems. GHS makes a medium scale set that should also work. The number is 8MS-DYB. I have not tried them so cannot vouch for them. I found both on juststrings.com .

Keith

hydrargyrum · « **Reply #5 on:** July 11, 2011, 06:38:56 AM »

I've got a friend with a vintage '60's era Hagstrom guitar (six string). It had a ton of switches and nearly two of them actually worked. They definitely have their own vibe. These seem to be gaining in popularity, especially with followers of bands like the White Stripes. If it sounds cool and the price is right, I say go with it.

sparechaynge · « **Reply #6 on:** July 11, 2011, 09:18:49 AM »

Ha! Right about the switches Hydrargyrum. Only one on my dad's still works. Hags are definitely cool guitars but almost always need some TLC. Be cautious when handling The 8 hb3; even with extra-light strings the neck/head is very susceptible to cracking.

(Message edited by Sparechaynge on July 11, 2011)

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #7 on:** July 11, 2011, 09:29:47 AM »

The rhythm player in my high school bands had 2 Hagstroms. One was sort of LP shaped, the other was Strat-like, with a ton'o'switches. They all worked, and all did something, but we never really figured out exactly what. The Strat-like was nice, the LP-type was one of the nicest guitars I've met. Can't speak to sturdiness; he was constantly buying & selling - didn't have either one long enough to tell.

Peter

keith_h · « **Reply #8 on:** July 11, 2011, 09:49:44 AM »

As the far as the switches go they do have a tendency to oxidize. I just use a little Caig's Deoxit and exercise them to clean off the oxidation. I've had my 67' since 1972 and have never had any issues with the neck of head.

Keith

hb3 · « **Reply #9 on:** July 11, 2011, 11:53:35 AM »

Keith,

Are the d'Addarios EXL170-8?

Thanks

hydrargyrum · « **Reply #10 on:** July 11, 2011, 12:21:30 PM »

Peter,

I believe the LP style was called commonly called the Standard 80, or the Swede. Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music can be seen holding one in some of their promo shots.

keith_h · « **Reply #11 on:** July 13, 2011, 06:10:27 AM »

Hugh,
Yes they are EXL170-8.

Keith

hb3 · « **Reply #12 on:** July 18, 2011, 06:51:05 PM »

Ok, after an epic battle, I got the strings on. But the neck still needs to be pulled back. Keith or anyone, it looks like a cylindrical grooved hole where the truss rod would be...not hexagonal. Anyone know the right tool?

Also -- I gotta give props to the guy who gave me this thing. I don't think I've ever seen frets so worn down. It practically feels like a fretless.

crobbins · « **Reply #13 on:** July 18, 2011, 07:21:05 PM »

I owned one years ago. Have fun.

peoplechipper · « **Reply #14 on:** July 19, 2011, 12:52:32 AM »

It is an allen wrench to adjust; I think 4mm but it's been awhile, and the frets are small and low to start with the fastest neck in the world!
Tony