NGD! Hagstrom HJ-500 Tremar

I've been wanting a jazz box for quite a while. Something nice, but affordable. The instruments at the local stores were Korean made Gretsch or Ibanez Artcore. I opted for a Gretsch 5120 but it had neck issues and I didn't care for the low-budget tuners it came with. I returned it and researched Internet reviews for a jazz guitar in a similar price range as the 5120. Based solely on reviews, I ordered the Hagstrom. Unlike the Gretsch 5120, Hagstrom guitars are made in China. I was apprehensive about buying a guitar without playing it first, but I used Paypal and the EBay store had a money back guarantee if returned within 14 days. When UPS delivered the guitar I eagerly unpacked it and set it up to play. Man, I have to tell you, this guitar is stunning. The finish and craftsmanship are extraordinary for a guitar in this price range. It has a very low action, yet there is no fret buzz anywhere. The Bigsby-styled vibrato works smoothly and the strings return to pitch thanks to a graphite nut and a Wilkinson designed roller bridge. Plugged in the guitar sounds great. The guitar is equipped with Hagstrom humbucking pickups which sound quite nice. If you're searching for a great jazz guitar for under a grand (this one was $795), you won't go wrong with one of these. You'll be amazed at what you get for your money. I've uploaded a few pics

Very nice! Congrats! I bought a Hagstrom Super Swede last year, and I feel the same way about it as you do about your Hag! Nothing about it seems cheap, and mine plays like a dream. Don't you just love the tuners too? Very unique guitars, and probably the best available in their price range.

I almost went with a Tremar Super Swede model, but opted against it. How do you like the Trem system? I've heard good things about them, but I've never played one.

Anyway, enjoy that thing!

Thanks, Hallski. The Hagstrom Vibrato, which is their take on the Bigsby B-7 Vibrato, works very smoothly. The strings return to correct pitch and there are no tuning issues. Something that the Gretsch 5120 could not do. It required some retuning after moderate vibrato arm use. The Hagstrom has a self lubricating graphite nut and a Wilkinson designed roller bridge, so the strings stay at correct tuning when using the vibrato arm. The guitar is awesome. I've heard good things about the Swede. I'll go to the Hagstrom website and take a closer look. Enjoy.

As a new Hagstrom owner as well this thread is relevant to my interests. Gorgeous guitar there, well done.

Mine is preTremar. Excellent budget jazzbox.

http://www.geartalk.com/gallery/data/500/Hag1.jpg

Congratulations!

Hagstroms are excellent guitars. I have an HJ-800 that is my main guitar these days. Aside from a set up, it's all stock and is going to stay that way. Very well made instruments that are under the radar of many. Enjoy your new Hag.

This is my Hag Viking Deluxe.....very nice guitars.