1976 Hagstrom HII-B N

Prior to buying this old Hag, my exposure to short-scale basses was limited to cheap, poorly set up, beginner models at places like Guitar Center or Sam Ash (RIP). I had long been of the mindset that “real” bassists only play full scale or longer. This opinion was based on absolutely nothing than the hubris of a chronically online bassist who bought into the tropes that shorties were for kids or beginners. As I got older, I ended up stepping away from playing for a few years. When I came back to it through a few other musician friends, I was much more open-minded. One of my best friends had exclusively played short scales for his whole career (Hofner, Vox, etc) and I really dug the sound he got.

In 2019, he and I found ourselves randomly at Guitar Center, just to kill some time and see what they had. I had no intention of buying anything, but this oddball vintage bass caught my eye. I knew of the name Hagstrom mostly from their 8 string basses that Noel Redding of the Jimi Hendrix Experience often played. I had them pull it down from it’s spot, high on the wall, and gave it a run through. I played for about 5 minutes and then walked around the store a bit before returning to it. The siren song of the old Had had called to me and I couldn’t stay away. I played it some more and then surprised my friend when I said “I think I’m gonna buy this.” I did a little haggling with the salesman and we agreed on a price I was willing to pay.

The bass has more battle scars than I can count. The finish is split and cracked all over, but not in the typical nitrocellulose way. This bass has a poly finish, so the finish is prone to coming off in chips. But, I didn’t buy the bass for how it looks, I loved how it sounded. When I got it home, I decided to put some halfwound strings on it and took it to my local tech. He straightened out and shimmed the neck and set the action just how I like it.

This was my first ever vintage bass and is another one of my “forever basses”. Itd unique, thuddy tone is authoritative, but not abrasive. It stands up and lets you know it’s there, but doesn’t fight with the other instruments in a mix.