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In 1967 Unicord was on the verge of
merging with Merson who's catalogue that year concentrated on
the latest electric
presentations from Hagstrom.
These however were fine examples of the traditional
luthier found at the company Bjarton, near Malmo nearer the border of Sweden
with Denmark.
Bjarton had become the manufacturer of choice for
Hagstrom since the early sixties, supplying the products to be exported all
over the world with the Hagstrom, and even the Fender brand name.
It was only in native Sweden that Bjarton itself
was the brand.
Examples of Bjarton guitars appear on this site
dating back to the 1950's, I do not know when the company first produced
guitars.
Very early Hagstrom guitars were a very different
quality, more to fill the need for parlour style and early student guitars
which were sourced from Norway. By the time the quality had developed
further Bjarton had become the single source.
For this section we leave Roy Rogers and Frank
Zappa to delve into the world of Flamenco and Carmen. (Hey
I've managed to link Zappa with Carmen - now that's weird!) |
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To quote:
Hagstrom Classic HC-25
The magnificent Hagstrom Classics HC25 and HC30 are for the
perfectionist who demands a custom built instrument. Melodious rich and
lyric sound is their hallmark. Play one chord.... listen to the resonance...
and you will want to own one of these beauties forever!
Both Models are grand concert size, have selected spruce tops with
colourful mosaic marquetry. The necks are Mahogany and have cross grained
maple inlays. They are similar in style and appearance except for the choice
of woods.
...I could have
written that myself
I shall continue by using
the text from the original catalogue... |
| The HC-25 has back and sides of choicest rosewood
bound in contrasting white. The HC-30 has back and sides of violin
grade maple bound in contrasting mahogany.
Engraved Gold plated tuning units on the HC-25 and HC-30 |
 
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HC-10: In the finest tradition of classic style, this concert size
guitar has dark mahogany back and sides with edges bound in white. The top
is brightly decorated with inlay on the edge and marquetry round the
soundhole. A truly remarkable instrument at a reasonable price. >> |
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| The Hagstrom Classic HC-15 The rare combination of
brilliant tone delicate response and extraordinary workmanship distinguishes
this concert size classic.
It is crafted of light mahogany back and sides with colourful inlay on
the top edge.
The mahogany neck has cross grain inlay for extra strength.
Most striking of all is the unusual filigree design in the soundhole
which has been framed with ornate red green and brown marquetry. |
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Tuned to the ear of the artist with a brilliant treble and
resoundingly full bass. This is a superb instrument for the classic soloist
or folk music performer. The beauty of finish matches the rich sound:
Sides and back are of striking walnut hued mahogany, buffed to a mirror
perfection.
The body, headpiece as well as the soundhole are colourfully inlaid and
the body is bound in brilliant white celluloid.
Truly a masterpiece in sound and appearance.
The Classic HC-20 |
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Regulars to the website as well as
lucky owners of this model range will recognise these from the main
derivative Bjarton names of Isabella with the filigree decorated soundhole,
and the La Rita for the open hole. On this
page we see the extend of variety and specialised luthiery that gave rise to
these much undervalued guitars.
Different woods for different tones, as well as the
different levels of decoration for different budgets, each of these exude
timeless quality much lost on many modern equivalents. |
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A beautiful range of guitars with an equally stunning presentation from the
year 1967.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. If you play one
you'll marvel at the range of emotions that spill out from these lovingly
manufactured instruments.
Too many cheap imports
killed them, too many guitars in the market devalue them today.
The real value is in playing one and owning one.
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I defy you not to relax,
and
if you are not moved by the
tone,
- you have no soul
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